Derek Chauvin, 45-year-old former Minneapolis police officer was found guilty of killing George Floyd, whose death sparked the largest civil rights protest in decades, with the Black Lives Matter movement spreading not just in the US but across the world with people demanding racial equality. The 12 jurors convicted the ex cop of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Floyd for over nine minutes during his arrest on May 25, last year. The video footage of the arrest, and subsequent death led to protests in the US and around the world over police brutality and racial discrimination.

Also read: Derek Chauvin: A cop who became the face of police brutality

Stoned-faced all through the trial, Derek Chauvin, who has been out on bail since October last, showed little emotion as the judge read the jury’s verdict. The judge, refusing bail to the convicted cop, said sentencing would take place in eight weeks. 

Charges on Derek Chauvin

Former Minnesota police officer Chauvin had pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The second-degree unintentional murder charge alleges that the former Minnesota police officer caused George Floyd’s death “without intent” while committing or attempting to commit felony third-degree assault, which is defined as the intentional infliction of substantial bodily harm.

Also read: Excessive versus reasonable force: Arguments in George Floyd murder trial

The other count where the jurors have convicted Chauvin is the third-degree murder charge. It alleges that the ex-cop  caused George Floyd’s death by “perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life.”

And the third charge of second-degree manslaughter alleges Chauvin caused Floyd’s death by “culpable negligence”. 

For all the three charges, prosecutors had to prove that Derek Chauvin caused Floyd’s death and that his use of force was unreasonable.