Derek Chauvin’s lawyers file motion for a new trial in the death of George Floyd, alleging jury misconduct minnesota.cbslocal.com

Photo:  Cbslocal Minnesota

Lawyers of the former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who was convicted last month of murdering George Floyd, have filed a motion for a new trial.

Eric Nelson, the attorney representing Chauvin filed the request on Tuesday alleging that Chauvin’s ability to have a fair trial was affected by pretrial publicity. The motion alleges that the court abused its discretion by denying the requests for a change in venue and a new trial.

Since the court failed to sequester the jury or “admonish them to avoid all media,” they were not only subjected to prejudicial publicity but also “jury intimidation or potential fear of retribution,” Nelson’s filing said.

On April 20, the jury in Chauvin’s trial found him guilty on all three counts of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s May 2020 death.

The jury spent about 10 hours of deliberation to reach the verdict, including roughly four hours on the first day and another six hours on the second day.
Chauvin’s sentencing is scheduled for June 25.

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