The trial of Derek Chauvin, accused of killing George Floyd in May last year, is due to begin later today.
The incident saw protests erupt across the UK and world that then became increasingly violent with multiple deaths and neighborhoods burned down across the USA.
Mr Chauvin, 45, is one of four officers involved to stand trial.
He is facing the most serious charges of the four, including second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Mr Chauvin, who was fired from the police, has pleaded not guilty.
Twelve jurors – plus two alternate (back-up) jurors – will remain anonymous and unseen throughout the televised trial.
Prosecutors are expected to play the video showing Mr Chauvin’s knee on Mr Floyd’s neck early on in the trial. In order to secure a conviction, they must prove that his conduct was a “substantial causal factor” in Mr Floyd’s death.
Mr Chauvin’s defence team is expected to focus on the fact that Mr Floyd used drugs before his arrest which may have contributed to his death, along with underlying health conditions, and whether Mr Chauvin followed police procedure.
Unity News Network (UNN) Staff Writer | To find out more details about our staff, please head to the About Us section on our website.
