The former Minnesota police officer who murdered an unarmed Black man by kneeling on his neck has been sentenced to 22.5 years in prison, or 270 months.
Derek Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second degree unintentional murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter on April 21 in the death of George Floyd. Video posted to social media showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd was pleading for air.
Chauvin’s defense team requested a new trial hours before the verdict came down. That request was denied by the judge.
Chauvin’s defense team now has 90 days to issue an appeal.
Floyd’s death sparked racial justice protests around the world, including in Regina in 2020.
Under Minnesota law, Chauvin will be required to serve 15 years of hi sentence in prison before potentially serving the remaining 7.5 years under a supervised release.
