Derek Chauvin Murder Trial Day 1 Recap - The Death of George Floyd

(Minneapolis, MN) -- Day one in the trial of the white former Minneapolis police officer accused of killing George Floyd is over. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder after kneeling on Floyd's neck during an arrest last May. Today, defense and prosecution made their opening statements. Defense Attorney Eric Nelson told the jury they need to look at the totality of the evidence and "use reason and common sense." Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell said Chauvin betrayed his badge and showed the graphic video of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck during an arrest last May.

Three witnesses were called. A 911 operator recalled watching the arrest unfold on a live video feed and called her immediate supervisor because her "gut instinct" something was wrong. Another witness, martial arts expert Donald Williams, testified it was obvious Floyd was in danger when he saw Floyd's eyes start to roll back into his head. Williams said he yelled to Chauvin that he had him in a dangerous "blood choke." The trial resumes tomorrow.


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