Former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin have been sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison after been convicted of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The sentencing follows the emotional testimony from Floyd’s family and Chauvin’s mother, along with brief condolences from Chauvin himself, Judge Peter Cahill said the sentence was not based on emotion, sympathy or public opinion.
Chauvin, who has been behind bars since being convicted on three counts of murder and manslaughter two months ago, wore a light grey suit as he learnt his fate following a trial that captivated the world. He spoke briefly, after declining to testify during his six-week trial.
“I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family,” Chauvin said after removing his face 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.
“There’s going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind,” he added. Before he spoke, Carolyn Pawlenty said her son, Chauvin, was a “good man.”
“I have always believed in your innocence and I will never waiver from that,” she said.
During the hearing, Mr Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, prayed for leniency, arguing that Mr Chauvin committed the crime without intent and that jailing him could endanger his life among other inmates. Prosecutors had asked for a 30-year sentence for Chauvin, who was convicted of second-degree murder.
Minnesota sentencing guidelines recommended Chauvin be sentenced to 12 and a half years, given he has no criminal record. The 22 1/2-year sentence is 10 years more than the state’s guidelines.
Judge Peter Cahill however justified the longer sentence citing “aggravating factors”. He also agreed that Chauvin abused his position of trust and authority; that he treated Floyd with particular cruelty by kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes, even as Floyd declared “I can’t breathe”; that he committed the crime as part of a group with three other officers; and that he committed the murder in front of children.
Defence attorney Eric Nelson asked the judge to consider not only the aggravating factors but also the mitigating factors. Chauvin did not come into this trial as a “career criminal” but lives “an honourable life”, Nelson argued to no avail.
