Who is Derek Chauvin? Here’s What We Know About George Floyd’s Murder

Derek Chauvin is an American former Police Officer who was convicted of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25, 2020.

He was a member of the MPD since around 2001 and graduated from Metropolitan State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement. He served in the United States Army reserve from 1996-2004 and in the military force between 1996- 2000.

On the evening of May 25, 2020, Chauvin was involved in the third-degree murder of George Floyd to the ground kneeling on his neck for 9 min and 29 sec as Floyd lay face down, handcuffed behind his back and repeatedly crying out he could not breathe during the arrest. After this event, Derek was arrested on May 29 and fired from the department.

Derek Chauvin Biography & Other Details

A Check Into His Early life

Derek was born on March 19, 1976, in Oaked in Minnesota U.S, it is estimated that he is 45 years old.

The history of his family background is not known, however, his mother was a housewife and his father was a certified public accountant. Growing up in West Saint Paul, Minnesota, Derek’s parents divorced when he was seven years old and were granted joint custody.

He Was Married To Kellie Chauvin

He married Kellie Chauvin in 2010, who is a radiologist at Hennepin County Medical Center and has no children from her but Kellie has two children from her ex-husband. When Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd, Kellie filed for divorce.

Judge Peter Chill Announced His Verdict 

At Hennepin County Government Center, judge Peter Chill read out the verdict against Chauvin as he was found guilty of the murder of George. Peter thanked the Jury for its heavy-duty service and after having 3 weeks of court testimony, Chauvin was a convicted killer and he was charged for:

• Second-degree murder
• Third-degree murder
• Second-degree manslaughter.

The jury revoked Chauvin’s bail and he remained in public custody until his sentencing in June of that year where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The reaction of the audience gathering outside the court was loud and there was a celebration in the whole country after they heard the first of 3 guilty verdicts. At the same time, a GoFundMe page for George Floyd has raised more than $ 1.1 million in just five days. He faced a maximum of 40 years in jail. Chauvin is being observed by guards for a safety issue, not just as suicide risks, but also from other inmates with a violent criminal history.

This Is What We Know About His Mugshot:

The Minnesota Department of Correction released Chauvin’s new booking photo mugshot after his conviction of killing George Floyd. He was faced by a 12-person Jury on Tuesday and booked into the Oak Park Heights top-security prison. In the booking photo, 45 years old Chauvin is in a typical prison dress over a white T-shirt.

During His Career, He Accumulated Around $500,000

Derek served as a police officer from 2019 until he was charged with the murder of George. During his career, his net worth accumulated to about $ 500k.

Social Media Profiles

Update as of January, 2023

Derek’s lawyer has asked the Minnesota appeals court to toss his murder convictions. After the state rebutted, Derek’s attorney, William Mohrman, requested a re-trial due to undue pressure from the original trial. He argued that Derek was not given a fair trial due to the extensive publicity and riots, the city’s $27 million dollar settlement with Floyd’s family announced during the jury selection, and the necessary sealing off of the courthouse.

US General Neal Katyal, representing the state of Minnesota, countered the defense’s claims stating that the trial was not only un-prejudiced, it was one of the most “transparent and thorough in our nation’s history.”

The panel is required to issue a decision in 90 days, which will be around mid-April 2023.

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Summary 

While Derek was found guilty before the judge, we need to recognize the violence targeted at Black people is embedded in our culture and bring about true reconciliation. After Chauvin’s trial, the conclusion describes that in a society accountability is possible and has to be done. For the achievement of ethnic justice and necessary changes, long-term policies affecting under resourced Black & brown communities must be reviewed. It is our responsibility to engage in anti-racist conversation and be ready to dedicate our lives to bringing peace and calm to all of God’s beloved people.

What do you think about Derek Chauvin’s crime? Drop your thoughts in the comment box below!