Derek Chauvin Found Guilty on All Three Charges in Death of George Floyd
GoLocalProv News Team
Derek Chauvin Found Guilty on All Three Charges in Death of George Floyd
Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020 sparked riots and protests around the country.
Chauvin, 45, had pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHe faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder, and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.
The charges were considered separately by the jury.
Chauvin had invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify.
About Trial
Defense attorney Eric Nelson delivered the defense's closing argument.
Judge Peter Cahill instructed jurors on the law and sent them to deliberate in the Hennepin County Government Center.
The jury was sequestered for deliberations.
Rhode Island Reacts
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Lt. Governor Sabina Matos issued a joint statement on the verdict.
"While today’s verdict will never bring back George Floyd, whose life was tragically taken, it reaffirms a fundamental tenant of our country — that no one is above the law. Our thoughts are with the Floyd family and the people of Minnesota," said McKee and Matos. "Justice was served today, but we have a lot of work to do to put a stop to police brutality, root out systemic racism, and build a more equitable state and nation."
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza weighed in on the verdict.
“The jury has confirmed what millions had witnessed — the cold-blooded murder of George Floyd by a police officer who was sworn to protect him,” said Elorza. “While I hope this verdict gives the Floyd family some peace, justice will not bring George back. We cannot rest until we address the centuries of racial injustices and social inequities that brought us to this moment. Tonight, we will again mourn the loss of George Floyd and so many others and tomorrow we will recommit to this work so that we do not lose another person to racial violence.”
Rhode Island Democratic Party Chair Joseph M. McNamara said the following.
“Justice. Today, there was justice for George Floyd, and for every Black person who has suffered at the hands of a rogue police officer. While this can’t take away the unimaginable pain and profound loss his family experienced, at least, now, there is justice for George Floyd – and hopefully, some peace for his family,” said McNamara.
“Let this be the transformative moment that extends from criminal justice to education and health care in our society. We hope his family finds solace in this moment, and in the grief they have faced this past year, and that it leads to lasting change,” he said.
