'Relief': Washington activists, lawmakers react to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict Many leaders in western Washington said the guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin is a step in the right direction towards racial justice, but there's still more to do. Author: KING 5 Staff Updated: 11:14 PM PDT April 20, 2021 Chauvin was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter in the death of Floyd on May 25, 2020. He is expected to be sentenced in the coming weeks. Floyd’s death last year sparked global protests over systemic racism and police brutality. Some of the demonstrations turned violent, including in Seattle, with demonstrators setting police cars on fire and damaging downtown businesses.