Two of George Floyd’s murderers are requesting that the judge delay their trial scheduled for March 8th, 2021.
Derek Chauvin and Tou Thao, two of the former Minneapolis police officers charged in the murder of George Floyd, asked the judge to push the trial back due to prosecutors presenting materials containing technical problems and being slow to turn over key evidence. The men’s attorney’s argued that these factors are making it difficult for them to prepare a proper defense.
Robert Paule, an attorney for Thao, requested that Hennepin County District Judge Peter A. Cahill delay the trial to July 5th. Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, asked that the trial be delayed to December 5th of 2021.
“It also should be noted that the global profile of this case has also contributed to the delay in retaining experts willing or able to participate,” Nelson wrote in his request.
Floyd’s death sparked national outrage. He was killed on May 25th in Minneapolis after being pinned down to the ground. While face down on the pavement, Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck, cutting off his air supply. The 47-year-old lost consciousness and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas K. Lane were all charged with aiding and abetting murder. All four men were fired from the Minneapolis Police Department.
