Leid Sotries - 03.29.21

All eyes are on a Minneapolis courtroom today as the trial of ex-cop Derek Chauvin, charged with killing local resident George Floyd during a violent arrest on May 25 last year, begins with opening statements by prosecutors and the defense. 

Chauvin faces manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder charges in Floyd's death. 

He and three other officers responded to a call that Floyd allegedly had used a phony $20 bill to make a purchase at a local convenience store. Floyd was to be arrested and taken in for further questioning.

Floyd protested his innocence and put up some token resistance to being arrested. But videotape  showed Chauvin reacted forcefully, pressing his knee into Floyd's neck and choking off his air supply for more than nine minutes. Floyd went limp and was unresponsive when an ambulance arrived.