Derek Chauvin, the police officer who murdered George Floyd last summer, was found guilty of second and third-degree murders, as well as second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 75 years in prison.
The verdict came after tense weeks of testimonies from Floyd’s girlfriend, witnesses and a medical examiner. While the defendant attempted to use Floyd’s drug use and pre-existing conditions as reasons for his death, the jury determined that Floyd died of asphyxiation as a direct result of Chauvin kneeling on his neck for nearly ten minutes.
Leading up the decision, many worried that a “not guilty” verdict would have led to more protests and riots throughout the country.
Many rejoiced at the decision and acknowledged the activists and witnesses who put pressure on the state to convict Chauvin.
Many others pointed out that the fight was far from over.
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