The jury’s choice in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin accused in connection with the death of George Floyd began Tuesday, a day later than planned – although an imminent appeals decision threatened to postpone the case for weeks or even months. state tries to reestablish a third-degree homicide count.
There were no updates on Tuesday morning regarding a Minnesota Court of Appeals response, and Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill began addressing the entire group of potential jurors brought into court at 9 am CT. Potential jurors will not be seen on camera in court and the names will not be used to protect your privacy.
GEORGE FLOYD CASE: DEREK CHAUVIN TRIAL STARTS ON TUESDAY, A DAY LATER THAN EXPECTED
QUICK FACTS
- Minneapolis and Hennepin county officials said they would spend at least $ 1 million to erect fences and other barricades before the trial.
- Chauvin is currently accused of manslaughter and manslaughter.
- The selection of the jury will end after the selection of 14 persons – 12 jurors who will deliberate the case and two alternates who will not be part of the deliberations, unless it is necessary.
- The process is estimated to take about three weeks.
State prosecutors filed a motion on Monday with the state Court of Appeals asking to suspend the case until the Minnesota Supreme Court makes a decision on whether or not to reinstate the third-degree murder charge.
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The second-degree murder charge requires prosecutors to prove that Chauvin’s conduct was a “substantial causal factor” in Floyd’s death and that Chauvin was committing criminal aggression at the time. The third-degree murder charge would require them to prove that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death through a dangerous act without regard for human life.
Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, technically has at least 30 days to file a petition to review the issue, but he told Cahill that he does not intend to delay the matter. It may take another 30 days for the Supreme Court to review the matter and respond, reported the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
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