Derek Chauvin found guilty
Written by Lydia Dillard on April 21, 2021
A Minneapolis jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of murder in the death of George Floyd, the Third Ward native who died when the officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds last May.
The verdict of the former Minneapolis police officer was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Chauvin was found guilty of three counts including, second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
The six week trial that began on March 8, now concludes with a verdict that was anticipated throughout the country.
Texas Southern University is homed in the same neighborhood Third Ward as Floyd. Students from the school react to the verdict, some saying that this is a sign for hope.
“This brings hope to a young Black man like me,” TSU SGA Attorney General-elect, Dexter Maryland said. “We’re still fighting for justice and we’re still fighting for verdicts like this.”.
TSU students acknowledge the juror’s decision as a victory. However, the fight for justice continues.
“This fight is still continuing. We cannot yet stand still and be idle as there are so many similar cases like George Floyd that have not received justice,” said Nahab Fahnbulleh, president of the debate team.
Artist, Jonah Elijah, who directed the street mural at Jack Yates High in honor of Floyd said that the community must continue to fight.
“We’re still fighting and we must continue to keep fighting,” Elijah said.
The jury consisted of 6 white, 4 Black, 2 immigrants, and 2 who identify as multi-race. The deliberation took approximately 10 hours, beginning on Monday afternoon.
After the second day of deliberation, jurors concluded the verdict. However the verdict is not the end.
Chauvin’s sentencing will be in 8 weeks following the verdict. There are three other officers who are facing charges, and their trial is expected to begin in August. Chauvin could spend up to 40 years in prison.
