Derek Chauvin found guilty on all charges in George Floyd Case
Last year, on May 25, 2020, the whole world changed after watching George Floyd die at the hands of Minneapolis Police officer, Derek Chauvin. Nearly a year later, on April 20, 2021, Chauvin is found guilty for his murder.
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd went to a convenience store with one of his friends to buy a pack of cigarettes. After Floyd tried to pay for his items with what was suspected to be a counterfeit $20 bill, police were called.
Police then took Floyd into custody and put him in handcuffs and into the back of a police cruiser. Then, Chauvin pulled him back out of the cruiser, put him on the ground, and knelt on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds while Floyd yelled “I can’t breathe” and bystanders pleaded with Chauvin to get off of him.
Floyd died after his heart stopped because he could not breathe, which was confirmed in his final autopsy findings, released on June 1, 2020.
What was Chauvin Charged With?
The George Floyd trial started on March 29, 2021, and Chauvin was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third degree murder, and second degree manslaughter. So what does this all mean?
Second degree unintentional murder is considered a felony murder, which by definition is “when a person commits an underlying felony and someone unintentionally dies.” Meaning that the victim was not killed intentionally, but something that the offender did something illegal that led to their death.
Third degree murder is- defined in Minnesota- “The unintentional killing of another through an eminently dangerous act committed with a depraved mind and without regard for human life.” Meaning that, again, the murder may not have been intentional, but that the offender had no regard toward’s the victim’s safety.
Second degree manslaighter is- again as defined in Minnesota- “when someone creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another.” Meaning that the offender consciously makes a reckless decision knowing that they could harm somebody.
Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges on April 20. A sentencing hearing has not been held yet. Chauvin faces a recommended 12 1/2 years in prison, but could spend up to 75 years.
