Derek Chauvin Addresses George Floyd's Family For The First Time With Ominous Message Ahead Of Sentencing
For the first time ever, Derek Chauvin has addressed the family of his murder victim, George Floyd.
During his sentencing hearing on Friday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the ex-cop approached the podium and removed his mask.
"At this time, due to some additional legal matters at hand, I'm not able to give a full formal statement at this time," Chauvin said softly and shakily.
"But very briefly, though, I want to send my condolences to the Floyd family," he went on, looking in the direction of where the Floyd family was seated.
"There's gonna be some other information in the future that would be of interest," he added ominously. "And I hope things will give you some peace of mind. Thank you."
Prior to Derek's statement, his mother also addressed the court, but more so her son.
She told him she believed in his innocence and that she had received "numerous letters from people around the world" who also believed in his innocence. She maintained her son – her "favorite son" – was not racist or malicious and that he was a good police officer who has a big heart.
Before Judge Peter Cahill announced his decision, the prosecution requested a 30-year sentence, while the defense team asked for time served and probation.
Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in April following an intense, weeks-long trial.
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On May 25, 2020 the white then-cop was recorded by dozens of eyewitnesses as he knelt on the neck of the prone, handcuffed Black man for 9 minutes and 29 seconds – while the prone, handcuffed Black man begged for air, called out for his "mama" and lost consciousness.
Chauvin is expected to appeal, though he still also faces trial on federal civil rights charges.
Hours before Friday's sentencing hearing, Cahill denied Chauvin's plea for his murder conviction to be thrown out due to alleged jury bias.
In his motion, the ex-cop argued that the court made several errors during court proceedings that prevented him from having a fair trial.
For starters, he believed the court should have allowed the trial to be moved to a different court.
Additionally, Chauvin's legal team had issues with the jury not being sequestered during the whole trial. (Jurors were placed in isolation once deliberations began.)
They felt jurors had been subjected to nonstop media coverage and believed they were pressured into convicting Chauvin.
Cahill was not swayed.