‘I felt like it should have been 20 minutes’: Juror in Derek Chauvin trial says guilty verdicts could have come quicker
A juror who cast one of the unanimous votes to convict a white former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death said Wednesday that deliberations were relaxed and methodical as he and 11 other jurors quickly talked their way to agreement in parts of just two days.
EXPLAINER: Video dominates trial in George Floyd's death
In this image from Minneapolis city surveillance video, Minneapolis police are seen attempting to take George Floyd into custody May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minn. AdThe video shows Chauvin with his knee wedged into the back of Floyd’s neck. Despite the disturbing video, prosecutors still must show some supporting evidence that it was Chauvin’s actions that contributed to Floyd's death, especially to prove murder. But many legal experts say the video evidence in Chauvin's case is among the most convincing they have ever seen. Under rules of trial procedure in Minnesota, they can ask the judge if they can see video evidence again.
2 views of Floyd onlookers: Desperate to help, or angry mob
There is a growing crowd and what officers perceive to be a threat.”The carefully calibrated language by each side is no accident. She admitted raising her voice and using foul language “because I was desperate” to help Floyd. Nelson asked if Williams grew angrier as the arrest continued, and the mixed martial arts fighter agreed that he did. When Williams appeared to step off the curb and Thao touched him, Nelson said Williams threatened the officer. She confirmed to him that as time went on, more people gathered, voices became louder, and people got more angry.
Ex-cop told onlooker George Floyd was big, ‘probably on something’
AdWhen Floyd was finally taken away by paramedics, Charles McMillian, a 61-year-old bystander who recognized Chauvin from the neighborhood, told the officer he didn't respect what Chauvin had done. At one point, he threw his upper body out of the car, and officers tried to push him back in. Lane was heard saying officers found a “weed pipe” on Floyd and wondered if he might be on PCP, saying Floyd's eyes were shaking back and forth fast. The officer also asked twice if the officers should roll Floyd on his side, and later said calmly that he thought Floyd was passing out. She later told the judge that she had been feeling stress and having trouble sleeping, but told the judge she was OK to proceed.
Witnesses: Onlooker anger increased as Floyd stopped moving
It seemed as if he didn’t care what we were saying,” said 18-year-old Darnella Frazier, one of several witnesses who testified through tears. Floyd was arrested after being accused of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. Williams admitted under questioning that he told Thao he would beat the officers if Thao touched him again. But witnesses also testified that no bystanders actually interfered with police. From Chauvin, and from officer Thao.”Also Tuesday, prosecutors played cellphone video recorded by yet another bystander, 18-year-old Alyssa Funari, that showed onlookers shouting and screaming at Chauvin after Floyd stopped moving.
EXPLAINER: In ex-cop's trial, defense promises video too
In this image from Minneapolis city surveillance video, Minneapolis police are seen attempting to take George Floyd into custody May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minn. But many legal experts say the video evidence in Chauvin's case is among the most convincing they have ever seen. “If you are the defense, you want jurors to get in the weeds, into issues other than the video. Under rules of trial procedure in Minnesota, they can ask the judge if they can see video evidence again. He said allowing jurors to view video evidence in the jury room and to discuss what they see among themselves can be crucial in reaching the right verdict.
2020 indelible TV moments: Trebek, debate bluster and Floyd
Trebek made no secret of the fight with pancreatic cancer that claimed his life on Nov. 8. Here are a selection of the defining moments of 2020 from the perspective of The Associated Press' media and television writers. ALEX TREBEKThe “Jeopardy!” host made no secret of the fight with pancreatic cancer that ultimately claimed his life on Nov. 8. Millions of viewers will see the story resolved on their own time, creating countless individual moments rather than a communal one. The actors were conciliatory toward each other about what occurred during a marital separation, but Will Smith couldn’t resist revising his wife’s description.
Protesters heartened by swift reform, but vow broader change
In the two weeks since Floyds killing, police departments have banned chokeholds, Confederate monuments have fallen and officers have been arrested and charged. (Darnella Frazier via AP, File)ATLANTA Tweet: In the two weeks since George Floyds killing, cities around the nation have begun implementing changes such as banning chokeholds. The city took down the obelisk last week after protesters tried to remove it themselves during one of the many nationwide demonstrations over Floyd's killing by police in Minneapolis. Minneapolis has since banned chokeholds, and a majority of the City Council has vowed to dismantle the citys 800-member police agency. He's also concerned about convictions against the officers charged in Floyd's death.