A Minnesota jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of all charges in the death of George Floyd. After three weeks of witness testimony, the jurors returned with a verdict on April 20. The group took a little over 10 hours to reach a decision. Chauvin could face 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.
Last year, on May 25, Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck for nearly 10 minutes while he was handcuffed on the ground, even as George said he couldn’t breathe. Chauvin pleaded not guilty to the charges of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for George’s death. The resulting trial included over 38 witnesses from the prosecution to help indict Chauvin, including George’s younger brother, Philonise Floyd.
George’s killing sparked a movement as the world confronted years of police violence against the Black community. The decision of this trial is perceived to be a potential tipping point, with the power to impact how the American justice system holds police accountable for violence against Black people. However, as many activists and organizers point out, true justice for the Floyd family would only be to see George alive today.
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