Chauvin verdict not guilty trial#

Floyd was able to overcome the efforts of three police officers while handcuffed with his legs and his body strength,” he said. “A reasonable police officer would understand this situation, that Mr. He argued that there was evidence that Floyd was resisting arrest and posed a threat to the officers, including a moment when Floyd’s legs knocked off the body-worn camera and the badge of Chauvin.

His attorneys have claimed that Chauvin used reasonable force and that Floyd’s death was due to pre-existing ailments and drug use.ĭefense attorney Eric Nelson, in his closing argument, said that the state had failed to show that Chauvin was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Schleicher also told the jurors to “use your common sense” and to “believe your eyes.” He also said that “reasonable doubt” did not mean that they had to accept “nonsense” from the defense.Ĭhauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. When you hear someone gasping for breath, calling for their mother, begging him to get off, how could you think anything else that he did not consent to this?” “George Floyd did clearly not consent to having defendant’s knee on top of him for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Officers are only authorized by law to use reasonable force, and this was not reasonable force.” He did this on purpose,” prosecutor Steve Schleicher told jurors in Minneapolis.

“This was an intentional act that you see before you.

Chauvin verdict not guilty trial#

PREVIOUSLY: All the major broadcast and cable networks carried the closing arguments in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer accused of murder in the death of George Floyd. “I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law, and to the judicial branch and our function,” he said. Matt James, ABC's First Black Bachelor, Says Producers Missed A Chance To Address Race Issues: 'Everyone Was Afraid And Sitting On Their Hands'īut Cahill lashed out at politicians who weigh in on the case.