Floyd’s Killer Sentenced to 22.5 Years Behind Bars

By Staff, Agencies 

Minnesota courtroom sentenced Derek Chauvin to 22.5 years in prison on Friday, more than a year after the disgraced officer was filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck despite him repeatedly relaying that he was unable to breathe.

Judge Peter Cahill told the court that Chauvin would be sentenced to approximately 270 months behind bars, a sentencing that amounts to 22.5 years. Chauvin will be receiving credit for the 199 days he has already spent in custody.

“This [determination] is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority, and also of particular cruelty shown to George Floyd," Cahill stated during the proceedings, adding that Chauvin is prohibited from possessing firearms, ammunition or explosives "for the remainder" of his life.

Chauvin is also required to register as a predatory offender under state laws.

The judge kept his courtroom remarks brief, instead opting to provide a more detailed analysis of the sentencing decision in a 22-page memorandum, which states that evidence clearly shows Chauvin taunted Floyd by responding "dismissively" to his pleas while lying face down on the ground, and that he disregarded calls from fellow officers to roll Floyd into a "recovery position."

Following the development, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told reporters that "today's sentencing is not justice, but it is another moment of real accountability on the road to justice."

During the earlier proceedings, victim statements were given by Floyd’s daughter Gianna, his nephew Brandon Williams and his brothers Philonise and Terrence Floyd.