The twelve jurors on the Derek Chauvin case have convicted him of three different charges. The former Minneapolis police officer has been convicted of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd.

George Floyd, a 46 year old, was buying a pack of cigarettes one evening, when the worker in the shop believed Floyd had given him a counterfeit $20 bill. Once Floyd refused to give the cigarettes back, the worker called the cops. 

The cops arrived at the scene and handcuffed Floyd. He resisted getting into the cop car and then ended up on the street face down. That is when officer Derek Chauvin placed his left knee on Mr Floyd’s neck, and kept it there for more than nine minutes, according to prosecutors.

Floyd said multiple times that he could not breathe. He was then taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead an hour later. The death of Floyd caused many protests all around the world. 

Many people in cities all around the world have come together on streets to express their outrage and disappointment. These protests have led to restless nights with reports of shootings, looting, and vandalism taking place in some cities. 

The New York Times states, “Since the death of Mr. Floyd, protests have erupted in at least 140 cities across the United States, and the National Guard has been activated in at least 21 states.”

The trial for the death of Floyd started on March 29, 2021. During this time, witnesses were interviewed and everyone had the time to share their sides of what happened. 

According to The New York Times, “Through witness testimony, several distinct themes emerged as the most crucial points of contention: whether Mr. Chauvin violated policy when he knelt on George Floyd’s neck for nine and a half minutes; what role, if any, drugs played in Mr. Floyd’s death; and what kind of impact the arrest may have had on the people who witnessed it.”

Many witnesses shared their opinion on the situation and what they saw happen. They also investigated if Floyd’s health problems or use of drugs could have played a role in this. 

According to ABC News, “During nearly three weeks of testimony, prosecutors argued that George Floyd died by asphyxia after Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than nine minutes. Chauvin’s lawyers focused on Floyd’s drug use, medical history and bad heart.” 

On April 21, 2021 the twelve jurors had convicted Chauvin guilty of all charges (unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter) and he will face up to 40 years in prison.