Derek Chauvin sentencing: Ex-officer sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison for George Floyd murder
Credit will be given for 199 days served
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, broke his silence to offer “condolences” to his family as Judge Peter Cahill sentenced him to 22 years and six months in prison.
The sentence marks 10 years above the 12.5-year guideline for second-degree unintentional murder, due to aggravating factors. Cahill said he wasn’t going to be “profound” in the court and instead pointed to a 22-page legal argument outlining the rationale for the determination.
It came after the court heard form Chauvin for the first time, as well as four members of the Floyd family.
“I want to give my condolences to Floyd family, 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,” Chauvin said.
Defence attorney Eric Nelson said whatever sentence Cahill decides, half will believe it’s too lenient and half too draconian or overbearing as the case became the epicentre of a culture war and political divide. “It has weaved its way into nearly every facet of our lives, from the entertainment that we consume to the presidential politics,” he said. “From protests to conspiracy theories”.
Apart from Chauvin himself and Nelson, the only other person to speak on the ex-officer’s behalf was his mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, who said she feared dying before her favourite son is released from prison. “Derek has played over and over in his head the events of that day. I have seen the toll it has taken on him.”
For the family of Floyd, his daughter, two brothers and nephew delivered victim impact statements asking the judge for the maximum sentence without the possibility of parole, probation or time off for good behaviour.
“Although Chauvin will be sentenced today and spend time in prison, he will have the luxury of seeing his family again, talking to them, he will likely get to spend time with them upon his release,” nephew Brandon Williams said.
“George’s murder, this trial, and everything in between has been tragically devastating, our family is forever broken and one thing we cannot get back is George Floyd.”
Hours before sentencing, the court ruled against the defence team’s request for a new trial or for a hearing on jury misconduct.
Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in April following an emotional and tense trial in Minneapolis.
‘No more slaps on the wrist’: Terrance Floyd calls for maximum penalty
“We don’t want to see no more slaps on the wrist, we’ve been through that already,” he said.
“In my community, in my culture, we’ve been through that already. Smacked on the wrist. No, no, no, no, no. Because if this, if it was us, if the roles were reversed, there would have been no case, it would have been open and shut, we’d have been under the jail for murdering somebody, so we aske for that same penalty for Derek Chauvin.”
‘I have been given a life sentence’: Philonise Floyd pleads with judge to offer no parole, probation or good behaviour
“George’s life mattered, so my family and I, most of all my niece Gianna, asking that you please find it suitable to give Mr Chauvin the maximum sentence possible, charge that he has been found guilty for. My family and I have been given a life sentence, we will never be able to get George back,” he said.
“Please help us find closure by giving Chauvin the maximum sentence possible, making sure he does his time consecutively, without the possibilities of parole, probation or getting out early for good behaviour.”
Prosecution asks for ‘greatly increased’ sentence of 30 years
Prosecutor Matthew Frank asked the judge to consider four aggravating factors when sentencing Derek Chauvin, calling for a “greatly increased” sentence for abusing his position of trust as a police officer.
He cited four aggravating factors that justify a “greatly increased” sentence, citing Supreme Court precedent where one aggravating factor lead to double the standard sentence.
He asked for 360 months prison, or 30 years,
Watch: Gianna Floyd misses her father, George Floyd
“I miss him all the time,” she said. “I want to play with him, have fun, go on a plane ride and that’s it.”
‘My son is a good man’: Derek Chauvin’s mother speaks for first time in defence of ‘favourite son’
Carolyn Pawlenty s says her son devoted 19 years of his life to the Minneapolis Police Department, and that everything said by the media, public, and prosecution team about being an aggressive, heartless and uncaring person was not true.
“My son’s identity has also been reduced to that of a racist,” she said. “None of these things are true and that my son is a good man.”
“He has a big heart and he always has put others before his own. The public will never know the loving and caring man that he is. But his family does.”
Even though I have not spoken publicly, I have always supported him 100 per cent and always will.
“Derek has played over and over in his head the events of that day. I have seen the toll it has taken on him.”
‘From protests to conspiracy theories’: Chauvin case became epicentre of culture war and political divide, says Defence attorney
Defence attorney Eric Nelson said whatever sentence Judge Peter Cahill decides, half will believe it’s too lenient and half too draconian or overbearing.
“This case is at the epicentre of a cultural and political divide. We tried to keep a lot of that out of the courtroom throughout the trial and make this case about the facts,” he said. “But we recognize what has happened as a result of this case.”
He said the intensity of public interest could not be overstated and he has received over 5000 emails, 1000 voice mails, and hundreds of hand-written letters from “both sides.”
He said the impact on the country has gone far beyond the day George Floyd died.
“It has weaved its way into nearly every facet of our lives, from the entertainment that we consume to the presidential politics,” he said. “From protests to conspiracy theories”.
Chauvin brain littered with ‘what ifs’ as defence reveals he was not scheduled to work day of murder
Defence attorney Eric Nelson revealed Derek Chauvin was not scheduled to work the day he encountered George Floyd, but volunteered the police department was short on staff.
“I know from numerous conversations that I’ve had with Derek, that his brain is littered with ‘what ifs’,” Nelson said.
“What if I did not agree to go in that day. What if things had gone differently. What if I never responded to that call. What if, what if, what if.”
Derek Chauvin speaks for first time to give ‘condolences' to Floyd family
In an unexpected move, Derek Chauvin addressed the court to express sympathies to the family of George Floyd.
“I want to give my condolences to Floyd family, 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. Thank you.”
The comments were short and preceded with the caveat that “due to some additional legal matters at hand” he wasn’t able to give a full formal statement.
He was likely referring to the civil rights case brought against him by the Department of Justice, which legal observers expected would prevent Chauvin from speaking at today’s sentencing to avoid incriminating himself.
Sentencing adjourned
Judge Peter Cahill will return shortly after considering submissions.
Sentencing resumes as judge Peter Cahill
“It is truly appreciated that you took the time to stay with this case and provide me with input,” Cahill told the Floyd family.
He said his comments would come in a 22-page order, to make clear the legal analysis behind his determination.
“I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. You have our sympathies. And I acknowledge and hear the pain you are feeling,” he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.