Because the judge in the case of George Floyd has determined the particular gravity of the crime, ex-police officer Derek Chauvin is awaiting a long prison sentence.
Minneapolis – After the killing of the African American George Floyd during a police check last year, the white ex-police officer Derek Chauvin faces a particularly long prison sentence. The decision on a particular gravity of the act, which the responsible judge Peter Cahill made public on Wednesday (May 12), was preceded by an application by the public prosecutor. As a justification, the judge stated that Chauvin acted with “particular cruelty” in the presence of children. The youngest witnesses to the crime in Minnesota were three 17-year-olds and one 9-year-old. One of the 17-year-olds filmed a video that attracted worldwide attention and protests under the motto Black Lives Matter.
Although Chauvin had no previous conviction, he now faces up to 40 years in prison. Kneeling on a suspect’s neck also violated the Minneapolis Police Department’s rules: “It was particularly cruel to slowly kill George Floyd by preventing his ability to breathe after Mr. Floyd had made it clear he was having a hard time to breathe, ”wrote the judge. Chauvin turned down requests from passers-by and a colleague to help Floyd after he passed out.
After the murder of George Floyd in the United States, sentencing was pronounced on June 16
In addition to the most serious count, second degree murder, the jury found Chauvin guilty of third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. However, under Minnesota law, the sentence will depend only on the most serious charge. The sentence is scheduled to be pronounced on June 16. Because Chauvin had no previous conviction, according to guidelines, he initially did not face the maximum sentence of 40 years, but rather a sentence of around 12.5 years. A longer sentence now seems likely.
Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020 during a police operation in Minneapolis had sparked demonstrations against racism and police violence in the United States. Videos document how the police pushed the unarmed man to the ground. Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for a good nine minutes while Floyd pleaded to let him breathe. According to the autopsy, Floyd passed out and died. The officers arrested him on suspicion of paying with a fake $ 20 bill. The defense of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin pleaded “not guilty”.
Further proceedings against ex-police officers in the George Floyd case: US federal court files indictments
Independent of the Minnesota trial, Chauvin has also been indicted in federal court. The US Department of Justice said last week that the accused was accused of deliberately depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights.
In addition to Chauvin, three other ex-police officers involved in the operation against Floyd are also charged. You will be on trial in Minneapolis beginning August. They are charged with aid. They too could face long prison sentences. (Sandra Kathe with dpa)
List of rubric lists: © Morry Gash / dpa
