Derek Chauvin sentenced by Minnesota judge to 22.5 years

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22.5 years Friday for the murder of George Floyd. 

In April, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Floyd.

A Minnesota judge found evidence that Chauvin committed the crime with three other “active participants,” former Minneapolis police officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, according to the sentencing order.

Chauvin and the three former officers face federal civil rights charges.

The sentencing order stated that the court found three other pieces of evidence against Chauvin including that he abused a position of trust and authority, committed the offense in the presence of children and treated Floyd with particular cruelty.

“Part of the mission of the Minneapolis Police Department is to give citizens ‘voice and respect,” the sentencing order stated. “Here, Mr. Chauvin, rather than pursuing the MPD mission, treated Mr. Floyd without respect and denied him the dignity owed to all human beings and which he certainly would have extended to a friend or neighbor.”

Chauvin will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years in prison, according to the Associated Press

During the trial, Floyd’s nephew Brandon Williams, brothers Terrence and Philonise Floyd and 7-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd gave victim statements.

When asked, “If you could say anything to your daddy right now, what would it be?” Gianna said, “I miss you and love you.” 

Chauvin did not give a formal statement but sent his condolences to the Floyd family. Chauvin and his lawyers have 90 days to appeal the sentencing. 

Nicole Lew is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].