Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict: Former Officer Guilty of All Charges

Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News) -- Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of all three charges against him.

The decision was announced this afternoon at the Hennepin County Courthouse after about 10 hours of deliberation by the jury, which spent 15 days viewing the evidence and hearing testimony from prosecution and defense witnesses in what is likely the most closely watched criminal trials in Minnesota history.

Chauvin was convicted of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges that alleged his actions caused the death of George Floyd, who was held in a prone position on the ground with the former officer's knee pressed against his neck for over nine minutes. The prosecution presented several expert witnesses that blamed Floyd's death on low oxygen levels as a direct result of Chauvin's actions, while the defense brought forward witnesses and testimony that suggested Floyd died as a result of heart disease and potentially toxic levels of fentanyl in his body.

The judge in the case indicated Chauvin's sentencing hearing will be scheduled about 8 weeks from now.

Watch the Judge read the verdicts and see Chauvin's reaction below:

Governor Tim Walz issued a statement also immediately after the verdict was ready. Walz described the jury's decision as an important step forward for justice in Minnesota but also stated "our work has only begun."

He also expressed his condolences to the family of George Floyd, noting no verdict can bring back their loved one. He also promised them the pursuit of justice does not end today.

The Rochester Police Department also issued a statement.

Regardless of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, the Rochester Police Department reaffirms our commitment to providing the community the highest level of public safety. Through these challenging times, we remain dedicated to our core values – including respect, compassion and service. We believe that every contact counts and that policing with our hearts is essential to building trust and legitimacy. We share this community’s concerns. With partnership and collaboration, we will strive toward a stronger Rochester.

WATCH DEREK CHAUVIN TRIAL

You can watch daily recaps, including opening and closing statements and the verdict announcement, of the Derek Chauvin Trial here.

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Timeline: George Floyd's Death and Unrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota

It was late afternoon on Memorial Day, 2020 and many Minnesotans had observed the normally active weekend hunkered down because of the growing pandemic.

George Floyd drove to a grocery store in Minneapolis and bought some cigarettes. He was accused by employees of making the purchase with a counterfeit $20 bill and police were called. Floyd was still there in his vehicle when two officers arrived. About 10 minutes later, Chauvin and another officer showed up and the situation began to escalate. Chauvin began kneeling on Floyd's neck as he was facedown on the street. Despite repeated pleas from Floyd and a growing crowd of bystanders to remove his knee, Chauvin continued as if frozen in position with no facial expression.

After more than 8 minutes, Chauvin finally stood up and Floyd had become unresponsive. An ambulance was called and a short while later, it was reported Floyd was dead.

A video of the incident slowly spread on social media around the state, the country and the world. Viewers literally watched a man slowly die, repeating "I can't breathe."

The now historic response began the following day.