- A U.S. jury has found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd, whose death sparked worldwide protests earlier this year
- The police officer was charged with second-degree unintentional murder, as well as third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter
- The accused pinned George to the ground with his knee for about nine minutes, during an arrest last May outside a local convenience store
- While the defence argued that George did have drugs in his system at the time of his death, two autopsy reports concluded that he died from homicide
- The trial commenced on Monday, local time, and lasted just 10 hours before the verdict was delivered
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, whose death sparked worldwide protests.
Derek was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd by a U.S. jury.
The accused pinned George to the ground with his knee for about nine minutes, during an arrest last May outside a local convenience store. He was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit US$20 bill for a pack of cigarettes.
George panicked and pleaded that he was claustrophobic and struggled with police when they tried to put him in the squad car.
The main issue of the case was the bystander video of George gasping repeatedly, “I can’t breathe.” However, the defence argued that it was George’s history of drug use and underlying conditions that caused his death.
At the time of his death, George did have drugs in his system, but two autopsy reports reached the same conclusion that he died from homicide.
But the medical examiner report also highlighted that George suffered from other “significant conditions”, such as fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use.
The trial commenced on Monday, local time, and lasted just 10 hours before the verdict was delivered.
After the verdict was read, Chauvin’s bail was immediately revoked and was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back. The three other former officers were charged with aiding and abetting murder in the death and will stand trial in August.
George’s brother, Philonise Floyd, stated that he had been receiving messages from around the world.
He told reporters that they’re all saying the same thing: “We won’t be able to breathe until you’re able to breathe. Today, we are able to breathe again.”
“America, let’s pause for a moment to proclaim this historical moment, not just for the legacy of George Floyd but for the legacy of America,” added Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump said.
“This is a victory for those who champion humanity over inhumanity, those who champion justice over injustice,” he added.