After announcing that George Floyd's family will receive $ 27 million in severance payment from the City of Minneapolis, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is now looking for another way out of his troubles. Chauvin's defense attorney Eric Nelson asked the court to postpone and move his client's trial during a hearing on Monday, March 15.
According to CNN, Nelson believes the court should "heavily examine" his motions after the civil settlement is approved on Friday, March 12th, as the timing is not fair. Nelson doesn't like Friday's press conference, as he says, "The Minneapolis mayor is on the stage with the city council and they use what I would say very well-designed terminology."
In addition to his requests to delay the process and move it out of Hennepin County, Nelson also asks to re-interview the seven jurors who have already been selected for the process. The selection process began on Tuesday March 9th. As the court says, the jury identified themselves as five white people, two black people, one Spanish person and one person of mixed race. A total of 14 jurors with two deputies are required for this case.
RELATED: Derek Chauvin Trial: Attorney who won the settlement to police shots shares expectations in the case of a police officer charged with the death of George Floyd
Prosecutor Steve Schleicher acknowledges the "unfortunate" timing of the settlement but disagrees with Nelson's plan.
"The fact that this happened right in the middle of the jury's selection – it's confusing to me, your honor, whose idea was to make this information public when it was released," said Nelson.
RELATED: Derek Chauvin Trial: Judge Restores third degree murder charges in George Floyd's death
Judge Peter Cahill is leading the process, saying he will re-interview the seven jurors who have already been selected for the case, but does not request anything further. Cahill denied this request during the preliminary round in November.
The first juror interviewed was excused from trial after she "almost gasped" when she heard of the $ 27 million settlement.
Chauvin has already been charged with second degree murder and manslaughter for the death of 46-year-old Floyd in May 2020. A Hennepin County judge resumed a third degree murder on Thursday March 11th.
BET has covered all aspects of the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and other social justice cases, as well as the aftermath and protests that followed. For our further coverage click here.
