JURY SELECTION NEARS COMPLETION IN CHAUVIN’S TRIAL
A 14th juror was seated Monday for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death, leaving just one more to be selected before the proceedings against Derek Chauvin can begin.
The newest juror is a White social worker in her 20s who said she has talked with friends about police reform and that she thinks “there are things that should be changed.”
But she also described police and their jobs as important, and said she is “always looking at every side of things.”
Of the 14 jurors seated through Monday, eight are White, four are Black and two are multiracial, according to the court.
Nine are women and five are men, and they range in age from their 20s to their 60s.
A total of 14 jurors will hear the case — 12 to deliberate and two alternates — but Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill said a 15th juror will be selected just in case.
That juror will be excused when opening statements begin March 29 if the other 14 are still able to serve.
Cahill told attorneys that up to 12 potential jurors will be questioned today if necessary, so they should be prepared for a long day.
“We’re going to get through 12, however long it takes tomorrow, because we only need the one so 12 or bust,” Cahill said.
Floyd, who was Black, was declared dead May 25 after Chauvin, who is White, pressed his knee on his neck for about nine minutes while he was handcuffed and pleading that he couldn’t breathe.