In a series of motions filed to District Court Judge Peter Cahill, attorney Eric Nelson said his client was deprived of a fair trial, adding there was prosecutorial and jury misconduct, errors of law at trial and that the verdict was contrary to the law. Prosecutors did not immediately file a response to the motions for a new trial.
In a confrontation captured on video, Chauvin, a white veteran of the police force, pushed his knee into the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man in handcuffs, for more than 9 minutes on May 25, 2020. Chauvin and three fellow officers were attempting to arrest Floyd, accused of using a fake $20 bill to buy cigarettes at a grocery store.
The day before the jury reached its verdict, Cahill harshly criticised US Representative Maxine Waters' remarks on the case, saying she might have given the defense grounds for appeal in the event of a conviction. A photo circulated by several news organisations has also raised questions about the impartiality of one juror, Brandon Mitchell, the Washington Post reported.
Why am I not surprised?
Plenty grounds for a mistrial. Black Lies Matter.
Proceed directly to jail. Don't collect $200.
George Floyd family should also ask for a re-arrest