We all have opinions and thoughts…but emotions and feelings aside, what are your predictions for the outcome?
Well, starting with 2nd-degree manslaughter, that appears to me to be a slam-dunk. The prosecution only had to prove “that Chauvin caused Floyd’s death through culpable negligence that created an unreasonable risk.” After all the testimony the jury heard, it would be difficult to understand how they could not find that Chauvin’s actions created an unreasonable risk. Guilty.
Third-degree murder requires “…jurors must find Chauvin caused Floyd’s death through an action that was “eminently dangerous” and carried out with a reckless disregard for and conscious indifference to the loss of life.” IMO, the jury heard plenty of evidence to clear that bar. Guilty.
Second-degree unintentional murder – Prosecutors “had to show that Chauvin killed Floyd while committing or trying to commit a felony — in this case, third-degree assault. They didn’t have to prove Chauvin intended to kill Floyd, only that he intended to apply an unlawful force that caused bodily harm.”
I get hung up on “intended to apply” in the above. Will the jury have seen evidence enough of the intent to apply unlawful force? The intent is very difficult to know without direct testimony or other smoking-gun evidence the directly speaks to what Chauvin’s intent was. Unless the jury essentially says the length of Chauvin’s knee-on-neck restraint alone proves intent. I’m predicting not guilty on this charge, but I would not be surprised if the jury went guilty here too.
What I don’t see after all this is any chance of acquittal.
And then let the appeals begin. First up will be challenging that the case should have been moved out of Minneapolis. Next up will be the timing of the City of Minneapolis settlement with the Floyd family. Those two should keep this going for years.
