Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 270 months in prison by Judge Peter Cahill on Friday for his role in the death of George Floyd.
BREAKING: Derek Chauvin sentenced to 270 months (22.5 years) pic.twitter.com/JKu5n0isXe
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 25, 2021
"What the sentence is not based on is emotion or sympathy," Cahill stated. "I'm also not basing my sentence on public opinion," he added.
Before Judge Cahill announced Chauvin's sentence, the Court heard from the prosecution — who requested a 360-month sentence — and defense, along with George Floyd's family and Derek Chauvin and his mother.
Also telling the judge ‘there’s going to be some other information in future that will be of interest... that will give you peace of mind’
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) June 25, 2021
During the prosecution's presentation at the sentencing, victim impact statements were heard from George Floyd's daughter and other family members.
Gianna Floyd, daughter of George, speaks at Derek Chauvin’s sentencing hearing, asked “if you could say anything to your daddy right now, what would it be?”
— The Recount (@therecount) June 25, 2021
“It would be I miss you and I love him.” pic.twitter.com/Be8XWs0ySj
Derek Chauvin's mother spoke during the defense's presentation at the sentencing hearing, reminding Chauvin "you're my favorite son."
BREAKING: Carolyn Pawlenty, Derek Chauvin's mother, addresses the court at her son's sentencing: "My son is a good man...When you sentence my son, you will also be sentencing me." https://t.co/IuuRKnTv3s pic.twitter.com/yYhCdtTilW
— ABC News (@ABC) June 25, 2021
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Chauvin was convicted on counts of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd in April.
Ahead of the sentencing on Friday, Judge Peter Cahill denied both Chauvin's appeal for a new trial and a request for a hearing on jury misconduct.
Breaking: Judge Cahill denied Derek Chauvin’s appeal for a new trial and for a hearing on jury misconduct
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) June 25, 2021
Chauvin's attorney claimed that "the Court abused its discretion when it failed to sequester the jury for the duration of the trial, or in the least, admonish them to avoid all media, which resulted in jury exposure to prejudicial publicity regarding the trial during the proceedings, as well as jury intimidation and potential fear of retribution among jurors, which violated Mr. Chauvin’s constitutional rights to due process and to a fair trial,” according to an appeal filing.
Additionally, Chauvin's lawyer claimed his client's constitutional rights were violated by not allowing the trial to take place outside of Hennepin County. He also pointed to jury misconduct and said the judge abused the discretion of the court, as Leah reported in May.
In April at the conclusion of Chauvin's trial and before a verdict was read, Judge Cahill noted that "Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned" when speaking of Rep. Maxine Waters' (D-CA) and other elected officials who publicly commented on their desired outcome in the case.
Chauvin trial Judge Peter Cahill responds to defense request for a mistrial over comments by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA):
— The Recount (@therecount) April 19, 2021
“I’ll give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned.” pic.twitter.com/jPp7zl0iGd
Chauvin still faces federal charges brought by the United States Department of Justice that allege Chauvin used excessive force and violated the civil rights of George Floyd.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
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