Verdict is in: Chauvin guilty of George Floyd’s death
Apr 20, 2021, 1:39 PM | Updated: 3:33 pm
MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota jury reached a guilty verdict against former police Officer Derek Chauvin on all three charges against him in the death of George Floyd, a Black man, killed last Memorial Day.
Listen: KSL NewsRadio continues live coverage of the verdict
Floyd died after bystanders recorded his encounter with police as Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes. Some in the crowd begged Chauvin to get off Floyd. The video triggered protests and demonstration across the nation, including in Salt Lake City.
Guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin
The jury deliberated the fate of Derek Chauvin over parts of two days before announcing it had reached a verdict Tuesday afternoon. In all, they deliberated about 10 hours.
Jurors heard prosecutors argue Chauvin “had to know” kneeling on or near Floyd’s neck could kill him, while the defense contended Chauvin did nothing unreasonable. The defense team blamed Floyd’s death on a heart condition and drug use.
Six of the jurors are white. The remaining six are either Black or multiracial. During deliberations, they remained sequestered.
Chauvin faced charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Of those, the most serious charge could carry a sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Sentencing will come at a later date.
This story will be updated.
Read more:
- Utah leaders call for peace following verdict in Chauvin trial
- Prosecutor at closing: Chauvin “had to know” Floyd’s life was in danger
- “Bow and arrow man” sentenced for threatening people during violent SLC protest
