George Floyd: Derek Chauvin’s Charge Upgraded to 2nd-Degree Murder, Charges Of Other 3 Cops’ Announced
Derek Chauvin and the three other Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s murder now face charges.
According to new reports based on court records, the three other cops involved in the case Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J Alexander Kueng all face aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder, as well as aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
Additionally, Derek Chauvin’s murder charge, previously third-degree, has been upgraded to second-degree unintentional murder.
Read Also: US Police Derek Chauvin Who Killed George Floyd By Kneeling On His Neck Charged With Murder
Amy Klobuchar, the U.S. Senator from Minnesota confirmed the development on Twitter, writing:
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to 2nd degree in George Floyd’s murder and also charging other 3 officers. This is another important step for justice.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 3, 2020
In a widely-seen video which has sparked global outrage, Chauvin is seen applying pressure with his knee on George Floyd’s neck, leading to the latter’s May 25 death. Lane and Kueng helped hold Floyd down while Thao stood watch unemotionally.
As regards Chauvin’s upgraded charge, Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines indicate two different possibilities for intentional second-degree murder and unintentional second-degree murder. The former sentencing guideline calls for, upon conviction, 25 and a half years in prison, whereas the latter calls for 12 and a half years.
Read Also: Independent Autopsy Reveals Asphyxia, Lack Of Blood Flow Caused George Floyd’s Death
On Monday, Ben Crump, the attorney representing George Floyd’s family, released the findings of an independent autopsy revealing that Floyd died of asphyxiation from sustained pressure. The findings were contrary to initial autopsy results by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner which stated cause of death as homicide from:
a combination of being restrained, potential intoxicants in his system along with various underlying medical conditions including heart disease and hypertension.
Floyd’s death has tipped off riots, protests, in cities across US, over the country’s policing standards and systemic racism. The protests have also extended to other countries around the world like the UK, showing support for Black Lives Matter movement, and demanding justice for the murder of Floyd.
