Mar 5, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Minnesota court rules 3rd-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin should be reinstated

Oriana González

Picture of police officers escorting derek chauvin — Police officers escorting Derek Chauvin. Photo: David Joles/Star Tribune via Getty Images

The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Friday ruled that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin should face a third-degree murder charge in the killing of George Floyd that had previously been dropped by a trial judge, the Star Tribune reports.

Why it matters: Chauvin is currently facing charges for second-degree murder and manslaughter. The decision reverses the previous ruling and sends the case back to Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill, meaning that Chauvin's trial scheduled to begin next week could be delayed.

What they're saying: "The district court has discretion to consider any additional arguments Chauvin might raise in opposition to the state's motion," the Appeals Court said, per the Tribune.

"But the district court's decision must be consistent with this opinion."

Context: Last October, Cahill ruled that the third-degree charge was being dropped because Chauvin's actions did not put others in danger.

Flashback: Chauvin knelt on George Floyd's neck for several minutes as he cried out, "I can't breathe," leading to Floyd's death.

Go deeper: Minneapolis on edge ahead of Derek Chauvin trial

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Minnesota court rules 3rd-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin should be reinstated

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