Prosecutors in Chauvin’s case said the decision in the Noor case was now precedential and should be applied. Home health nurse charged with manslaughter after death of disabled Shakopee teenĬhauvin was originally charged with third-degree murder in addition to second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but the third-degree murder charge was dismissed in October because Cahill determined there was no evidence that Chauvin’s actions were directed at other people besides Floyd.īut the Court of Appeals ruled in the Noor case that a conviction for third-degree murder can occur even if the death-causing act was directed at one person. Grand jury upgrades charge in Inver Grove Heights shooting to first-degree murder Paul’s FrogtownĮxplainer: What’s behind ‘sordid’ evidence at Kim Potter trial? Teen hospitalized after being shot in head in St. The prosecution then filed a motion asking the judge to reinstate the charge against Chauvin, and add on aiding and abetting third-degree murder charges against the three other former Minneapolis police officers charged in connection with Floyd’s death. The debate regarding the third-degree charge began when early last month, the Court of Appeals upheld the third-degree murder conviction of Mohamed Noor, the former Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Justine Ruszczyk Damond in 2017. We look forward to presenting all charges to the jury in Hennepin County.” Adding this charge is an important step forward in the path toward justice.
We believe the charge of 3rd-degree murder, in addition to manslaughter and felony murder, reflects the gravity of the allegations against Mr. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is prosecuting the case, said in a statement: “We believe the Court of Appeals decided this matter correctly. Nelson declined to comment on Friday’s decision.
An order from Cahill regarding the third-degree charge and next steps for the trial could come over the weekend, said Joseph Daly, emeritus professor of law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. It is unclear at this time if the trial will be delayed. Legal experts also have said attorneys could ask the judge for more time to prepare for trial with the new additional charge, which could also result in a delay. If Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson appeals the decision on reinstating the third-degree murder charge to the Minnesota Supreme Court, the trial likely will need to be put on hold. Chauvin’s trial is scheduled to begin Monday with jury selection.