Former Minnesota police officer and convicted murderer Derek Chauvin is expected to appear in federal court on Tuesday amid allegations that he violated George Floyd’s rights during last year’s arrest that ended with Floyd’s death.
According to the Star-Tribune, Chauvin, 45, will appear in U.S. District Court via videoconference from Oak Park Heights prison, where he is awaiting his June 25 sentencing for Floyd’s murder and manslaughter.
In early May, a federal grand jury also indicted Chauvin for violating the civil rights of a 14-year-old boy he allegedly struck with a flashlight, held by the throat, and knelt on for 17 minutes during a 2017 arrest.
Three other former Minneapolis police officers who responded to the May 2020 call, Thomas Lane, 37, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Tou Thao, 34, are also facing federal charges for allegedly using the “color of law” to violate Floyd’s civil rights.
On the state level, the three other officers are awaiting trial for aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. Their joint trial was recently delayed to March 2022, as Hennepin County judge Peter Cahill wanted the publicity surrounding Chauvin’s case to subside and to give priority to their federal trial.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to a related episode:
[Featured image: Derek Chauvin/Minnesota Department of Corrections]
