Jury selection was underway Tuesday in the murder trial of ex-Minneapolis police Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd – defense lawyers immediately focused on the viral video of the fatal encounter.
“When you first saw the video, would you be willing to change that opinion if you later got other information,” defense attorney Eric Nelson first asked the potential gambler, who was being disturbed by the footage.
“Well, if that’s true,” the woman replied.
“We have to be very clear here, okay?” Nelson said. “Would you be ready to reclaim your opinion today if you see other evidence that would allow you to change your mind?”
“Yes,” the woman answered.
The video, which was spread across the world, is the biggest hurdle for selecting an impartial jury in the case.
Hannepin County District Judge Peter Cahill addressed the first panel of potential gamblers just after 10 a.m. Eastern time, drawing worldwide attention.
Chauvin, 44, wearing a light gray suit with a blue shirt and dark tie, is facing charges of second-degree murder and murder in the May 25 death of Floyd.
The video of the incident shows Chauvin pressing his hand on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes while he was handcuffed.
Potential jewelers will be personally questioned by judges, prosecutors and Chouvin’s attorneys, with 12 equating four alternates as well as more than two – two more than usual.
The trial is going on under tight security inside and outside the court.
Jury selection was scheduled to begin Monday, but Cahill delayed the process by a day over an unresolved issue regarding the additional murder charge.
Chauvin was also charged with third-degree murder, but Cahill withdrew that charge in October – prompting the prosecution to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
The appeals panel ruled Friday that Cahill erred in dismissing the charge – but defense attorneys said they are appealing in the Supreme Court, the highest court in Minnesota.
Prosecutors said the jury’s selection would be halted until the issue was resolved, but Cahill said that on Monday he would go ahead and begin selecting a jury panel.
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