Chauvin trial: Jurors start deliberations

Chauvin trial prosecution closing arguments: ‘This wasn’t policing. This was murder’

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The prosecution gave its closing statement in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on April 19. (The Washington Post)

By 

Abigail Hauslohner, 

Lateshia Beachum, 

Keith McMillan and 

Paulina Villegas

April 19, 2021 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Jurors began deliberations on Monday after closing arguments in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd last year.

In their final arguments, both the prosecution and defense focused on reasonable doubt. Prosecutors argued that there is none, and that the jury can believe what it sees on video — Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes — and trust the expert testimony that has been given.

“This case is exactly what you thought when you saw it first,” prosecutor Steve Schleicher said. “It’s exactly what you saw with your eyes. … This wasn’t policing. This was murder.”

Chauvin attorney Eric J. Nelson suggested that a “reasonable police officer” would find that the 17 minutes before Chauvin acted would be relevant, adding that witness perception of Floyd’s death might not fully capture what happened.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Read: Judge’s instructions to Derek Chauvin trial jurors
• Defense attorney Nelson argued that Floyd’s death could have been the result of various contributing factors unrelated to Chauvin’s actions.
• Schleicher’s close on Monday morning also alleged that Chauvin killed Floyd on purpose, and that he “chose pride over policing.”
• After Nelson raised objections over controversial remarks by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Judge Cahill admonished elected officials who have made public statements about the case in a “disrespectful manner to the rule of law.”
• Between the Daunte Wright shooting in nearby Brooklyn Center, Minn., and the Chauvin verdict expected this week, Minneapolis area officials fear the public’s reaction.
• “Everyone expects me to know what to say,” Philonise Floyd, George’s brother, told The Washington Post. “But this isn’t my field. I’m still learning.”