Former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of murder in George Floyd’s death, has been sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison. Judge Peter Cahill dictated the sentence Friday afternoon.
“This is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd,” Cahill said.
“What the sentence is not based on is emotion or sympathy, but at the same time I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family. You have our sympathies,” Cahill said.
In April, Chauvin, 45, was found guilty on three counts: Second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes. He is widely expected to appeal.
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Chauvin was sentenced on the most serious charge, second-degree unintentional murder, which under Minnesota law has a maximum sentence of 40 years.
When asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything on the record before the sentence was handed down, Chauvin shared a brief message.
“I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There’s going to be some other information in the future that will be of interest and I hope things would give you some peace of mind. Thank you.”
