MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd, has been sentenced to 270 months in prison, or 22 years and six months behind bars.
Judge Peter Cahill handed down the sentence during a hearing on Friday. The judge said Chauvin was granted credit for the 199 days he has already served.
“Chauvin had no regard for human life, George’s life. I stand before you today, asking you to please help us find closure by giving Chauvin the maximum sentence possible, making sure he does his time consecutively, without the possibility of parole, probation, or getting out early for good behavior,” said Philonise.
“What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother’s neck? When you knew that he posed no threat anymore. He was handcuffed. Why didn’t you at least get up?” said Terrance.
After their statements, Prosecutor Matthew Frank asked for Derek Chauvin to be sentenced to 30 years in prison.
“Your honor, we ask the court to impose a sentence of 360 months,” said Frank.
Derek Chauvin’s mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, then spoke before the court and defended her son’s character.
“It has been difficult for me to hear and read what the media, public, and prosecution team believe to be an aggressive, heartless, and uncaring person. I can tell you that’s far from the truth. My son’s identity has been reduced to that of a racist. I want the court to know that none of these things are true and that my son is a good man,” said Pawlenty.
Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, when officers pinned the 46-year-old man to the ground for several minutes outside a Cup Foods convenience store. Officers had originally responded to the store after Floyd allegedly tried to use a counterfeit bill.
Among the officers was Chauvin, who was caught on bystander video pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck and back for more than nine minutes while the man struggled to breathe, called out for help, and said, “I can’t breathe.” Eventually, Floyd became unconscious and was later pronounced dead.
The video of the deadly arrest soon went viral on social media and sparked several months of protests against police brutality and racial injustice across the country, often led by Black Lives Matter activists.
Those protests put a broader spotlight on the role race plays in policing and others facets of American life. As a result, a wide range of changes were made in the country, from communities readdressing law enforcement laws to Confederate statues being taken down, even companies dropping problematic branding.
The legal battles in the death of Floyd aren’t over now that Chauvin has been sentenced, though. A trial for the other three former officers involved – Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and Alexander Kueng – is set to be held in March of 2022 after being delayed. They’re accused of aiding and abetting in Floyd’s murder.
Below is Chauvin’s sentencing order, detailing the judge’s decision:
Derek Chauvin sentencing order by Kyle Hicks
