Chauvin convicted on all charges, faces up to 40 years
People gather outside the courthouse awaiting a verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial.
June 2, 2021
On April 20, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on three counts in the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. He was convicted on all of the charges brought against him: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Co-BSU moderator Victor Veal believes, “a murderer got convicted. It’s hard for me to say that’s complete justice or even a step in the right direction when that is what is supposed to happen.”
“I believe Chauvin getting convicted is justice. Although there is nothing that can make up for a lost life, I still believe the conviction is justice” added Coach Jay’Sen Morris.
The trial began on March 8 at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and ended on April 20 when the jury announced it had reached a verdict and found Chauvin guilty.
Second-degree unintentional murder is the most serious charge brought against Chauvin, but because he has no previous criminal record, the charge carries a presumptive prison sentence of 12.5 years, instead of a maximum sentence of 40 years. Next, the third-degree murder also carries a presumptive prison sentence of 12.5 years, but because Chauvin does not have a criminal record, he wouldn’t receive the maximum sentence of 25 years. Finally, the second-degree manslaughter charge carries a presumptive prison sentence of four years, compared to 10 years if Chauvin had a criminal record.
Chauvin was transported to the Oak Park Heights maximum-security state prison where he remains in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, with only 1 hour of exercise in an isolated wing of the prison. Chauvin will remain there until his sentencing hearing on June 16 where it will be announced how long he will be behind bars.
The three other officers who were involved in Floyd’s death will be tried together in March of 2022.
BSU officer Jordan Noeuku stated, “For the BLM movement, our voices are still to be heard. For all those whose lives were taken from us, we will still demand justice because ‘We Are Done Dying And Living In Fear.’”