George Floyd’s killer sentenced to 22.5 years in prison

The case is being updated.

On May 25, 2020, police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed while kneeling on George Floyd’s neck. At the same time, George Floyd shouted “I can’t breathe.”

The video sparked several demonstrations against racism and police violence, both in the United States and in large parts of the world.

On April 20, Chauvin was found guilty of all charges against him. That’s the most serious point, premeditated murder, Chauvin received his sentence for Friday.

Judge Peter Cahill presented the sentencing on Friday. Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison.

The punishment is milder than the prosecution, and those Floyd’s family wanted.

– What went through your head?

Several family members of George Floyd spoke during the court hearing before sentencing.

Floyd’s daughter, Gianna Floyd, attended the court hearing via cell phone.

– My father always helped me brush my teeth before bedtime. I miss him and I love him.

George Floyd’s brother, Terrence Floyd, struggled to hold back tears.

– I want to know what went through the killer’s head while this was happening. When my brother shouted that he could not breathe, why did not you get up?

Terrence Floyd said he wanted maximum punishment for Chauvin.

– We’re done seeing a pat on the hand. We want a proper punishment.

Four arguments for severe punishment

There was a lot of excitement about how much punishment Chauvin would receive.

The prosecuting authorities had previously requested at least 30 years’ detention Washington Post.

Prosecutors cited four factors as arguments for the severe punishment:

Chauvin abused his position of authority. He treated Floyd with particular cruelty. He committed the crime as part of a group of three other officers. And he committed the murder in front of children.

The maximum penalty for premeditated murder in Minnesota is 40 years. The Minnesota Guidelines provide for a sentence of 11 to 12 years for premeditated murder, if the person has not committed criminal acts in the past.

– This is not a typical premeditated murder. This is more serious than the guidelines are made for, said prosecutor Matthew Frank, during a court hearing on Friday.

– An ordinary premeditated murder does not contain such abuse and such cruelty as this murder.

Judge Peter Cahill has previously stated that there are aggravating circumstances behind the murder, which opens up for Chauvin to be sentenced to more than what the guidelines dictate.

– Judges me too

Chauvin’s mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, also spoke at the hearing.

– The world has made it look like my son is violent and racist. The world will never know how kind and loving he is. When you judge him, you also judge me.

Derek Chauvin also chatted shortly before the sentencing came. He wanted condolences to the family.

Earlier Friday morning, Chauvin’s request for a new trial was rejected by Judge Cahill.

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