Derek Chauvin, the infamous former cop of the Minnesota Police Department has been convicted for the murder of George Floyd. The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 scared the whole world. Thousands of people came out on the streets even during the pandemic to protest against the racist motive of murder. “Black Lives Matter” was the slogan they they used to raise their voice to end racism.
The murder
Derek kept his knee over George Floyd’s neck after handcuffing him for about 9 mins. George was made to lay on the road face down and he continuously kept saying “i can’t breathe” and “please”. After 9 mins of being kept like that George’s pulse slowed and he died due to asphyxiation. Two officers sat on George’s back for few minutes. This incident was recorded in the cctv cameras of the nearby stores and officers bodycam.
Arrest and charges
The next day of the murder, Derek and other 3 officers involved in the case were suspended from the department. On may 29th, Derek got arrested and was taken into police custody. He was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin came out on bail on October 7th, 2020 after paying a bond of $1 million. It was first decided that the court would try the 4 officers together but later decided to try Derek separately.
Trail
The jury consisted of half people of color and the other half white people. He is found guilty of unintentional second degree murder; third-degree murder; and second-degree manslaughter. The hearing is planned in late June.
Prison life and solitary confinement
Chauvin is sent to Oak Parks heights state prison, the highest-security prison in Minnesota. There he is being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day due to “fears of his safety”. People of color were enraged around the whole world when they heard about George’s murder. He is worried that the other prisoners in the prison will try to harm or even kill him. That’s why he is being kept away from all the poisoners for almost the whole day.
The news of Chauvin’s guilt being proved and his conviction is being celebrated widely and this a small step forward towards ending racism.
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