CHARLOTTE — A decision was made Tuesday in the most closely watched police misconduct trial of a generation. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all three counts in the death of George Floyd.
- Second-degree Unintentional Murder: Guilty
- Third-degree Murder: Guilty
- Second-degree Manslaughter: Guilty
Chauvin, 45, was charged after video of him kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds went viral last year, sparking protests against racial inequality and police brutality nationwide.
The former officer could face up to 40 years in prison for the highest count of second-degree unintentional murder. The maximum sentence for third-degree murder is 25 years and he’s facing up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.
He’s expected to be sentenced in June.
Channel 9 spoke with several members of the community about their reaction to the verdict.
>> WATCH: In the video below, Channel 9′s Joe Bruno hears from local city and county leaders about the guilty verdict.
>> WATCH: In the video below, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings reacts to Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict.
>> WATCH: In the video below, Channel 9′s Damany Lewis talks to people near the BLM mural in uptown Charlotte about the verdict.
>> WATCH: In the video below, Channel 9 speaks with George Laughrun, a local attorney who has been part of several prominent cases in Charlotte and Chuck Monnett who represents the family of Keith Lamont Scott -- a man who was killed by a CMPD officer in 2016.
>> WATCH: In the video below, Channel 9′s Ken Lemon sits down with the Lowell mayor pro tem as the verdict is read.
>> WATCH: In the video below, Channel 9′s Glenn Count speaks with President of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg branch of the NAACP Corine Mack about Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict.
(Below are some reactions to the verdict shared across social media)
Justice was served today, and while that will not bring back George Floyd or the countless thousands lost to state-sanctioned violence, it means the millions of Americans struggling, fighting to breathe free are closer to living in a just, beloved community. #BlackLivesMatter
— Rep. Alma Adams (@RepAdams) April 20, 2021
JUSTICE!!!!!!!!
— Mark Jerrell - County Commission District 4 (@Mark4thePeople) April 20, 2021
I appreciate the jury’s work for justice. George Floyd’s death shouldn’t have happened and we must continue to work to bring positive change to our state and country. - RC
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) April 20, 2021
I wish the right thing happening wasn't so surprising.
— Larken Egleston (@Larken) April 20, 2021
Guilty
— Julie Jacobus Eiselt (@JulieEiselt) April 20, 2021
Guilty
Guilty #BlackLivesMatter#Justice has been served pic.twitter.com/bglkXHCsP9
Justice has been served! We still have miles to go, but today’s verdict gives hope for a brighter future. 🙏🏽
— Dimple Ajmera (@DimpleAjmera) April 20, 2021
I hope everyone respects the result and understands this will not be the last time we have to address a situation like this. Change is needed and we should all be a part of that change. 2/2
— Mayor Vi Lyles (@CLTMayor) April 20, 2021
Cox Media Group