Floyd: Accused cop refuses to testify
Chauvin uses Fifth Amendment in trial
THE former policeman accused of murdering George Floyd has refused to testify in his own defence.
Derek Chauvin, 45, who has been fired by the Minneapolis force, invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent yesterday.
His attorney Eric Nelson asked Chauvin to confirm their “multiple” discussions on the subject and that the decision was his alone.
Jurors at the trial in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will be instructed not to regard this lack of testimony as indicating guilt or innocence. Chauvin denies second-degree unintentional murder, thirddegree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
He was filmed kneeling on the neck of handcuffed George Floyd, 46, for nine minutes and 29 seconds on May 25 last year. Jurors heard Chauvin say on a bystander’s video: “We’ve got to control this guy because he’s a sizable guy... it looks like he was probably on something.”
A police use-of-force expert testified on Tuesday that the restraint used on Mr Floyd, a dad of five, was “justified”.
On Wednesday, forensic pathologist Dr David Fowler said the cause of death should have been classed as “undetermined”. Dr Fowler, formerly Maryland’s chief medical examiner, said Mr Floyd’s underlying heart issues were the most likely causes.
He also said exhaust fumes from the police car beside which he was restrained may have poisoned him.
But under cross examination Dr Fowler admitted he could not support his theory with any data or test results.
Mr Floyd was arrested for using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.
His death sparked global protests about police force against black people.