Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, is sentenced Friday for George Floyd’s murder. This closes a chapter in an infamous case that has sparked worldwide outrage and a reckoning about America’s racial disparities.
Chauvin, 45 years old, is facing decades in prison. Many legal experts predict a sentence between 20 and 25 years. Although Chauvin is expected to appeal, he still faces federal civil rights charges and three other fired officers, who are yet to face their state trials.
The three-week-long Chauvin trial was encapsulated by the concrete barricades and razor wire, as well as the National Guard patrols, but that has also ended most tension in the city , which waited for a verdict in April. There is a recognition that Chauvin will be sentenced. This is a significant step for a city that has been on edge ever since Floyd’s May 25, 2020 death.
Mike Brandt, a local defense lawyer who closely followed Chauvin’s case, stated that “Between incident, video, the Riots, and the Trial — this is where the pinnacle of them all.” “The verdict was also huge, but this is where justice comes down.”
Chauvin was convicted for second-degree unintentional and third-degree murder. He also pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck, for approximately 9 1/2 minutes. The Black man claimed he couldn’t breathe and went limp. Video of Floyd being arrested by a witness for passing a fake $20 bill has sparked protests across the globe and a national reckoning on police brutality and race.
According to Minnesota statute Chauvin will only be sentenced on the most serious offense, which carries a maximum of 40 years. However, case law suggests that a sentence of 30 years would be the maximum sentence Judge Peter Cahill can impose without being overturned by appeal.
Prosecutors requested 30 years because Chauvin’s actions were “egregious” and “shocked nation’s conscience”. Eric Nelson, defense attorney, requested probation. He claimed that Chauvin was a product of a “broken system” and believed he was doing his duty.
Cahill already determined that aggravating circumstances in Floyd’s death warrant a sentence higher than the recommended 12 1/2 year sentence by the state’s sentencing guidelines. The judge found that Chauvin had abused his authority and treated Floyd with cruelty. He also noted that several children witnessed the crime. He stated that Chauvin knew Floyd’s restraint was dangerous.
Cahill wrote last month that George Floyd was unable breathe after prolonged use of the technique. He also expressed concern that the officers had stopped him from breathing.
Both sides will present brief arguments on Friday. Floyd’s family members, including his brother Terrence, his nephew Brandon Williams and brother Philonise Williams, will make statements in court.
Ben Crump, an attorney who represented Floyd’s family said that family members felt “anxious” and “tense” before the sentencing.
“To us George Floyd is a cause. He’s not a person, he’s an issue. They see him as their flesh and blood. Crump stated, “You know that they’re their brother.”
Chauvin may also be able to make a statement. However, it is not clear if he will. Experts warn that it may be difficult for Chauvin to speak without being implicated in the federal case against Floyd.
Chauvin declined to testify in his trial. He told a witness at the scene that the only explanation he gave was from his body-camera footage.
Brandt believed that Chauvin would speak, despite the doubts of several experts. He stated that Chauvin could speak a few words and not get into trouble.
Brandt stated, “I believe it’s his opportunity to tell the world that he didn’t intend on killing him.” “If I were him, I believe I would try to let people know I’m not a monster.”
Many people who spoke to Chauvin in Minneapolis before his sentencing stated that they would like to see a harsh sentence.
Andrew Harer, a white retail worker, said that thirty years doesn’t seem long enough. “I would be fine for him to spend the rest of his time in prison.”
Joseph Allen, 31, a Black man, stated that he believes Chauvin should be sentenced to “at least 30 years” and would prefer a life sentence. He listed nearly 20 complaints against Chauvin that were filed during his career.
Allen stated that he hopes other officers will not do the same as Derek Chauvin.
Nekima Levy, an activist and civil rights lawyer, demanded that Chauvin be sentenced to the maximum extent of the law. She also called Floyd’s death a “modern day lynching,” and foresaw community outrage if Chauvin was sentenced lightly.
Levy Armstrong answered the question “For me, as a Black woman living here, there’s really not that he could tell that would relieve the pain and trauma that caused him to speak.” He could make more trauma if he speaks.
Crump stated that he would like to see a sentence higher than what is usually given for second-degree murder convictions.
Crump stated that “there was nothing unusual about what Derek Chauvin did when torturing George Floyd death.” We don’t expect it will be a common sentence. It must be a sentence that establishes a precedent for police officers being held accountable for the unjustifiable deaths of Black Americans in America.
Chauvin will likely serve less than two-thirds of his sentence, presuming he behaves well. Rest would be on supervised freedom.
Since his conviction in Oak Park Heights, the state’s maximum security prison, he has been kept behind bars. For his safety, the former officer is kept in a 10-by-10 foot cell with meals delivered to his room. One hour per day, he is allowed to exercise alone.
It is not known if Chauvin will be allowed to remain at the prison. Officials from the state prisons said that this decision would not be made until Cahill has received his formal sentencing order.
On charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights, Chauvin and three other officers involved with Floyd’s arrest are currently being tried in federal court. There has not been a set trial date.
In March, the state will also bring forward three additional officers to face trial on charges of aiding or abetting murder and manslaughter.
