Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 1/2 years in death of George Floyd
He was convicted in the May 2020 death of Floyd.
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.
Chauvin was sentenced on the most serious charge, second-degree unintentional murder, which under Minnesota law has a maximum sentence of 40 years.
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Chauvin given 22-and-a-half year sentence
Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 270 months in prison.
“This is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd,” Cahill said.
Cahill said a 22-page memorandum will be attached to the sentencing order.
“What the sentence is not based on is emotion or sympathy, but at the same time I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. You have our sympathies," he said.
Derek Chauvin offers condolences to Floyd family
When asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything on the record before the sentence was handed down, Chauvin shared a brief message.
“I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There’s going to be some other information in the future that will be of interest and I hope things would give you some peace of mind. Thank you.”
The court then entered a brief 15 minute recess.
Chauvin’s attorney asks for judge to consider 'mitigating factors'
Defense attorney Eric Nelson lobbied for the judge to follow sentencing guidelines rather than considering the maximum sentence.
“We are here after a jury verdict finding him guilty of these offenses and the court's consideration should not only be focused on the aggravating factors but the mitigating factors as well.”
He said, “This case is at the epicenter of a political and cultural divide.”
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.