Derek Chauvin challenged a Court of Appeals decision indicating it was an appropriate sentence.
What We Know:
- On March 9, 2021, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied a petition to analyze a state appellate court’s choice to charge Derek Chauvin for third-degree murder. Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, suggested the Supreme Court should intervene, but they decided against it. The choice would reinstate charges the former Minneapolis police officer who is accused of killing George Floyd. Chauvin is seen last May in a social media video with his knees on Floyd’s neck while he yelled out, “I can’t breathe.”
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the state’s Supreme Court was correct in rejecting Chauvin’s petition. “The Court of Appeals ruled correctly; therefore, there was no need for the Supreme Court to intervene…” she explained.
“We believe the charge of 3rd-degree murder is fair and appropriate,” she continued.
- An attorney for George Floyd’s family, Benjamin Crump, also said Chauvin should be charged for third-degree murder. He says the family needs closure, and the trial hurts them deeply.
- Heppenin County District Judge Peter Cahill made the Minnesota Supreme Court’s statement on Wednesday afternoon. He also said he would further discuss it on Thursday morning. No information has been released on Cahill’s Thursday comments just yet. Cahill had dismissed a third-degree murder charge that was brought to him in October. However, the state appeals court ruled it an improper dismissal.
- The case will start on March 29 and will go on for a month. As of late, five jurors have been selected for the trial. The jurors include three white men, a woman of color, and a black man. Seven more people will be chosen, along with two alternates.
Along with the upcoming trial, the three officers who were at the scene also face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. They will be attending court in August. The current events provide hope to the Black community that the Floyd family will receive justice.
