Derek Chauvin Seeks New Trial

Derek Chauvin says jury was swayed by publicity and is seeking a new trial.

(Tuesday, May 4, 2021) – Convicted killer and ex-Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin is seeking a do over.  Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, today filed a motion alleging prosecutorial and jury misconduct and asked for a new trial.

Chauvin was convicted last month of two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter in the May 25th death of George Floyd.  Nelson requested a hearing to impeach the guilty verdict, arguing a new trial in needed “on the grounds that the jury committed misconduct, felt threatened or intimidated, felt race based pressure during the proceedings, and/or failed to adhere to instructions during deliberations, in violation of Mr. Chauvin’s constitutional rights to due process and a fair trial.”

Prosecutors were quick to respond to filing.  “The court has already rejected many of these arguments and the State will vigorously oppose them,” said John Stiles, deputy of chief of staff or the Minnesota attorney general’s office.