On Monday, the jury listened to closing arguments in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. Former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin faces second-degree unintentionalmurder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd (pictured above).
I’ve watched at least part of the trial every day but one, and I did not see any legitimate defense of Chauvin’s actions on that May 2020 day, nor do I have a sliver of doubt about his guilt.
In closing arguments, prosecutor Steve Schleicher said of Chauvin: “He knew better, he just didn’t do better.”
Well, there’s perspective and then there’s perception, defense attorney Eric Nelson said in a rambling, nearly-three-hours-long closing.
The prosecution then closed with this: "You were told, for example, that Mr. Floyd died because his heart was too big ... Having heard all the evidence, you know the truth. And the truth of the matter is that the reason George Floyd is dead is because Mr. Chauvin's heart was too small."
This is not a horse race and we are not taking bets. But given given what you know, and have read and watched about the end of George Floyd’s life, how do you think the nine women and five men on the jury will decide?
I’ll give my optimism and the jury until the end of the day tomorrow (Wednesday). After that it’s a coin flip. This feels like waiting for a loved one to come out of major surgery.
I need to believe there will be a verdict of guilty. I must hold onto faith in my fellow countrymen, though I have been disappointed before and could be disappointed again.
I am not filled with optimism that a reasonable verdict of guilty will be returned. I think the prosecution presented a compelling case but the defense needs only one to disagree. This just points to the ability of the defense to put the victim on trial in these cases.
I’ll give my optimism and the jury until the end of the day tomorrow (Wednesday). After that it’s a coin flip. This feels like waiting for a loved one to come out of major surgery.
Doesn't it? That's a great analogy. Expect the best, prepare for the worst.
I don't think he'll be acquitted. I hope there won't be a hung jury but I worry that's what the outcome will be.
I don't want him acquitted. At all.
I am optimistic that the jury will return a guilty verdict.
I am, as well. Optimistic, I mean, even while I have been wrong about other jury decisions I considered obvious and righteous.
I need to believe there will be a verdict of guilty. I must hold onto faith in my fellow countrymen, though I have been disappointed before and could be disappointed again.
I am not filled with optimism that a reasonable verdict of guilty will be returned. I think the prosecution presented a compelling case but the defense needs only one to disagree. This just points to the ability of the defense to put the victim on trial in these cases.
That's the issue, isn't it? It just takes one. I hope they were all paying attention.