Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 1/2 years in death of George Floyd

He was convicted in the May 2020 death of Floyd.

Last Updated: June 25, 2021, 10:19 PM EDT

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, was handed his sentence Friday.

Chauvin was handed a 270-month sentence, minus time served, by Judge Peter Cahill.

In April, Chauvin, 45, was found guilty on three counts: Second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes. He is widely expected to appeal.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin listens during his sentencing hearing at Hennepin County Government Center, June 25, 2021, in Minneapolis. Chauvin was convicted for murdering George Floyd.
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Chauvin was sentenced on the most serious charge, second-degree unintentional murder, which under Minnesota law has a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Jun 25, 2021, 3:35 PM EDT

Chauvin’s mother pleads for reduced sentence

Carolyn Pawlenty asked the judge not to hand down the maximum sentence for her son. 

“Derek has played over and over in his head the events of that day. I have seen the toll it has taken on him. I believe that a lengthy sentence will not serve Derek well. When you sentence my son, you will also be sentencing me,” she said.

Carolyn Pawlenty, the mother of former police officer Derek Chauvin, addresses the court during her son's sentencing hearing at Hennepin County Government Center, June 25, 2021, in Minneapolis.
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Jun 25, 2021, 3:20 PM EDT

Philonise Floyd says his family is under a 'life sentence'

Philonise Floyd asked Judge Cahill to give Chauvin the maximum sentence without the possibility for parole. 

“My family and I have been given a life sentence. We will never be able to get George back,” he said.

Jun 25, 2021, 3:40 PM EDT

Floyd’s daughter says she misses her father

Floyd’s daughter Gianna shared a victim impact statement in a pre-recorded video message at the hearing. 

She’s asked in the video, “Do you wish he was still here with us?” She replied, “He is.”

When asked what she would say to her father if she could speak to him right now, Gianna said, "I miss you and I love him."

Jun 25, 2021, 3:21 PM EDT

Terrence Floyd asks: 'Why?'

Terrence Floyd shared an emotional victim impact statement where he asked Chauvin “why.”

“I wanted to know from the man himself, why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck? When you knew that he posed no threat anymore? He was handcuffed, why you didn’t at least get up?”

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