UPDATE: (Minneapolis, MN) — Jury selection in Minneapolis is being postponed in the case against former police officer Derek Chauvin.
Judge Peter Cahill decided to put off the start of jury selection until at least tomorrow while the question of whether to allow a third-degree murder charge against Chauvin is pending.
That charge is currently under review by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Chauvin is the former police officer accused of killing George Floyd in Minneapolis.
He faces murder and manslaughter charges after he was filmed with his knee on the Black man’s neck for more than seven minutes last May.
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(Minneapolis, MN) — Cameras will be in the courtroom as jury selection begins today in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who is blamed for George Floyd’s death last May.
Prosecutors will argue that Floyd died because Chauvin knelt on his neck as he lay prone in the street for nearly ten minutes.
The defense is expected to argue that his death was the result of a fentanyl overdose and previous health conditions including COVID.
The video of Floyd’s death went viral, sparking months of protest against racism and police brutality worldwide.
Chauvin, who is out on bond, is facing charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other former officers are also charged with aiding and betting.
The city of Minneapolis is under heightened alert with boarded up windows and razor wire fence surrounding the courthouse.
When and where does the trial begin?
Jury selection starts Monday morning in Hennepin County District Court in Minnesota, with opening arguments scheduled for no earlier than March 29.
But opening statements could be delayed thanks to a Court of Appeals ruling last week that said Hennepin District Judge Peter Cahill erred by dismissing an additional third-degree murder charge against Chauvin, which may present further legal challenges — and hold-ups.
How can I watch the Derek Chauvin trial?
The trial will be streamed live by CourtTV and can be viewed through this link.
The network will provide live coverage and commentary starting with jury selection, although potential jurors will not be shown on camera.
How long is the trial expected to take?
Minnesota court officials anticipate that the trial will last between two and four weeks.