Derek Chauvin Gets 22.5 Years For Murder Of George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 years and six months in prison for the murder of George Floyd. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill delivered the sentence on Friday, June 25.

Chauvin was convicted in April of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He opted to have his sentence decided by a judge rather than a jury.

Before the sentence was announced, the judge heard victim impact statements from Floyd's 7-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd, his brothers Philonise and Terrance, and his nephew, Brandon Williams. The three men asked the court to give Chauvin the maximum sentence allowed.

"My family and I have been given a life sentence," Philonise said. "We will never get George back."

The judge later heard from Carolyn Pawlenty, Chauvin's mother, who told the court "my son is a good man" and that he is not a racist. "I believe a long sentence will not serve Derek well," she said.

Chauvin also addressed the court. He said, "I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family." He then addressed the Floyd family directly, "there's gonna be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind."

Prior to Friday's sentencing hearing, state prosecutors asked Judge Cahill to give Chauvin 30 years in prison, more than twice what the state guidelines call for.

Chauvin's defense attorney asked the court for probation and no prison time.

For additional details, read the full story from Patch Across America.

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