First images of ex-cop Derek Chauvin in prison released
The first photos of Derek Chauvin since he was sentenced to more than two decades behind bars over his fatal confrontation with George Floyd last year have been released.
The mugshots, taken on June 28 and initially obtained by TMZ, show Chauvin sporting an orange jumpsuit and a sleepy, but grim expression. The ex-cop in April was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with 46-year-old Floyd’s death.
On May 25, 2020, Chauvin was recorded kneeling down on Floyd’s neck, who repeatedly cried out for help during the nine-minute ordeal. Two other police officers, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, assisted Chauvin in restraining Floyd while a fourth officer, Tou Thao, stopped bystanders from interfering.
Floyd was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later the same night.
Video of the violent arrest immediately went viral on social media and sparked weeks of demonstrations and protests against systemic racism and police brutality across the country and in major cities around the world.
Last month, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Chauvin to 22½ years in prison — 10 years more than prosecutors’ recommended sentence.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the punishment was “one of the longest a former police officer has ever received for an unlawful use of deadly force,” adding that it was “another moment of real accountability on the road to justice.”
