Final juror chosen for ex-cop’s trial in George Floyd’s death

MINNEAPOLIS — A jury has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death, with opening statements set for Monday in a case that led to weeks of protests and a national soul-searching about racial justice.

The final juror was chosen Tuesday, wrapping up a process that took more than two weeks and was complicated by worldwide attention to Floyd’s death, even before the city of Minneapolis announced a $27 million settlement to his family during the fourth day of jury selection.

Attorneys and the judge worked through more than 100 people, dismissing most because they acknowledged strong views about an encounter that was captured on video by a bystander.

The panel now includes 15 jurors. Twelve will deliberate, with two alternates; Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill has said he will excuse the extra juror before opening statements if the 14 others are still able to serve.

Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. The Black man was declared dead after Chauvin, who is white, pressed his knee against his neck for several minutes while he was handcuffed and pleading that he couldn’t breathe.

The widely seen video set off street protests in Minneapolis, some violent, that spread across the country and the world.

Of the 15 jurors seated, nine are white, four are Black and two are multiracial, according to the court. Nine are women and six are men, and they range in age from their 20s to their 60s.