Ex-Minneapolis Cop Derek Chauvin Will Get His Own Trial

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will get his own trial in the death of George Floyd, Judge Peter Cahill ordered Monday. Cahill cited concerns over coronavirus in his decision.

Chauvin's trial begins March 8, Fox 9 reports. Former offices Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and will Tou Thao stand in court together on Aug. 23.

Chauvin faces second-degree manslaughter and second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony. In October, Cahill dismissed a third-degree murder charge that was also filed against him, citing a lack of probable cause.

Just after 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, police responded to the Cup Foods store on 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South in Minneapolis. In a viral video of the incident recorded by a bystander, Floyd is heard telling officers, "I can't breathe" while being forced down onto the street. He also asks for water.

Bystanders tell Chauvin — who had his knee on Floyd's neck — to get off of him. A second officer — Tou Thao — ordered people to back away from the scene.

Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck even after he went motionless. All four officers who were at the scene were fired the next day.

Thao, Kueng, and Lane all face charges of aiding and abetting unintentional second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Floyd's death sparked protests across the globe, demanding police reform and an end to racial injustice.