Chauvin, other former officers’ trials to remain separate, appeals court says
From left: Derek Chauvin, J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao.[Hennepin County Jail]
On Friday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed the state’s appeals in the case of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
His trial will begin on March 8, as previously scheduled.
The state argued to delay the trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public safety issues. Additionally, the appeal to rejoin the trials of Chauvin and the other three former officers – J Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao – was also denied.
In part, the decision reads,"the state failed to show that the district court’s orders would have a critical impact on its ability to prosecute these matters."
Chauvin faces one count of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection to the death of George Floyd. The other three former officers face charges consisting of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.