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2021-04-21 -Lurid Crime Tales-
Chauvin defense attorney asked for mistrial, citing prosecutorial misconduct, publicity; jury convicts on all counts
Continuing the discussion started in comments yesterday here.
[KSTP] The attorney representing former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin asked the court to declare a mistrial, citing prosecutorial misconduct and ongoing comments from public officials they feel will influence the jury's decision.

Shortly after jurors began deliberations, defense attorney Eric Nelson argued that special prosecutor Jerry Blackwell's characterization of his closing argument laid the grounds for a mistrial.

Nelson recited several instances where Blackwell told jurors the defense had created "stories" or were "shading" the truth of what happened on May 25, 2020.

"I do believe that it constitutes ... prosecutorial misconduct," Nelson said.

Retired Hennepin County Judge Kevin Burke, who has watched the proceedings, said there are special rules in Minnesota that govern things you are not supposed to say in closing arguments, particularly in rebuttal to the defense's theory of the case.

"You can be aggressive, but you have to be careful about what you say," Burke said.

Cahill denied the motion for a mistrial, but Nelson tried one more time in light of recent comments by U.S. Rep. The Ageless and Downright Brilliant Comrade Maxine Impeach 45! Waters
...U.S. Representative for California's 43rd congressional district, serving since 1991, a total of 29.38653 years. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the most senior of the twelve black women currently serving in the United States Congress, and a member and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Before becoming a member of Congress she served in the California Assembly, to which she was first elected back when Disco was in flower, in 1976, which would make it 44.38448 years. She has been a politician for virtually all her adult life. If she was a little brighter she'd be a Communist...
. The Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party, Democrat had joined protesters on Saturday and pressed for protests to escalate if Derek Chauvin was not found guilty on murder charges.

"There is a high probability that members of this jury have seen these comments," Nelson told the court.

The judge denied the motion, but not before saying the Congresswoman's comments could lead to a verdict being appealed and overturned.

"This goes back to what I've been saying since the beginning. I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law and to the judicial branch and our function," Cahill said.

Chauvin guilty on all charges in the death of George Floyd
[NYPOST] Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on Tuesday was found guilty of murder in the death George Floyd during an arrest last year.

Cheers erupted outside the courthouse as the judge announced that jurors had found Chauvin, 45, guilty on all three charges — second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter — on their second day of deliberations. He faces up to 40 years behind bars on the top charge.

Chauvin — wearing a light gray suit, white shirt and blue tie — showed little emotion as the verdict was read, nor as he was lead out of the courtroom in cuffs after Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill swiftly revoked his bail.

"We put everything we had into this prosecution," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a presser outside the courthouse after the verdict. "I’m proud of every hour, every minute, and every ounce of effort we put into this case."

Jurors deliberated for more than 10 hours over two days before reaching a verdict in the closely watched case stemming from Floyd’s May 25, 2020, death — which kicked off worldwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

The 12-member jury consisted of three black men, one black woman, two white men, four white women, and two women who identify as interracial.

The Minnesota city — and the entire country — was on edge in anticipation of the verdict, with heightened security in place preparing for a renewal of the violent mostly peaceful protests that marred the city after video of Floyd’s death became public.

Hundreds gathered outside the fortified Minneapolis courthouse on Tuesday prior to the announcement of the verdict, calling for justice.
Legal Insurrection summarizes:
Sentencing in 8 weeks, state moving for aggravated sentencing above and beyond guidelines.

FYI, state has filed Blakely motion for aggravated sentencing, above and beyond guidelines, arguments for that will be heard over next couple of weeks.

Chauvin could have had jury make call on aggravation factors, waived that right, Cahill will make that call.

Count 1. 2nd degree felony murder: GUILTY

Count 2. 3rd degree murder: GUILTY

Count 3. 2nd degree manslaughter: GUILTY
Posted by Fred 2021-04-21 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11133 views ]  Top

#1 Poor bastard.
Posted by Skidmark 2021-04-21 00:22||   2021-04-21 00:22|| Front Page Top

#2 I didn't realize until late last week that the Prosecution in Minnesota gets to make two summaries to the jury; one before the defense summary and one after.

That gives the prosecution an enormous advantage since their words are the last the jury hears and furthermore the prosecution can bring out new facts that the defense can't counter or even make non factual or misleading remarks.

I would hope that this would mean a serious review by the Appeals Court of misconduct in addition to the reprehensible jury influencing comments of the Mayor, the Gov, Biden, Waters, etc.

I was also surprised that MN law only required the accused to 'substantially contribute to the death of the victim rather than be the major cause. I only learned that during the second week of the States's case.

Posted by Lord Garth 2021-04-21 00:50||   2021-04-21 00:50|| Front Page Top

#3 The thin blue line just got a lot thinner.
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2021-04-21 01:34||   2021-04-21 01:34|| Front Page Top

#4 New Dispatch From The Brady White Files: Why Risk Your Life if You're A Cop?
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2021-04-21 02:14||   2021-04-21 02:14|| Front Page Top

#5 Can anyone honestly say that justice was served?

... or that an impartial jury of his peers gave the defendant the presumption of innocence?

Or that the burden of proof was on the prosecution?

That the jury evaluated the evidence introduced at trial with the aid of logic and common sense, and without bias?

That our nation's president complied with the judge's strict warning yesterday that "elected officials" must not intrude on the court's independence and integrity, lest he declare a mistrial?

Or was this trial a political persecution and an insult to our laws, our Constitutional principles and our traditional sense of justice and fair play?

This cannot stand. We cannot accept the obvious fact that what we have witnessed is an episode out of the history of Stalin's Russia, the era of the show trials of the 1930s.

How much longer do we tolerate the continuing desecration of all our sacred beliefs and principles?
Posted by Whith Dingle9938 2021-04-21 02:16||   2021-04-21 02:16|| Front Page Top

#6 

If Derek Chauvin doesn't kill himself in prison ☻.
I see a long politically draw out appeal process, lasting until the Socialist-Democrats are removed from power either in 2022 or 2024.
Posted by NN2N1 2021-04-21 05:11||   2021-04-21 05:11|| Front Page Top

#7 May a hundred Chauvins rise up in the police. And a thousand Rittenhouses from the citizens. How many cops will they jail for criminals and terrorists? How many Americans will they prosecute for America haters?
Posted by Dron66046 2021-04-21 05:36||   2021-04-21 05:36|| Front Page Top

#8 After the judge rules on the defense attorney's request, bring him a bowl of water and a towel.
Posted by Procopius2k 2021-04-21 07:21||   2021-04-21 07:21|| Front Page Top

#9 My guess is non-minority perps are in for more rough treatment and average Joe citizen better get ready for disproportionately harsh treatment for petty offences. The cops inclined to work their frustrations out on the job will find a release somewhere.

And no, I'm not a cop hater.
Posted by M. Murcek 2021-04-21 07:36||   2021-04-21 07:36|| Front Page Top

#10 This will be appealed. Intimidation of jurors. Could go to the supreme court. This type of justice certainly was not fair.
Posted by Dale 2021-04-21 07:47||   2021-04-21 07:47|| Front Page Top

#11 #9 You forgot an important aspect. Expect minority perps to become a lot bolder.
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2021-04-21 07:59||   2021-04-21 07:59|| Front Page Top

#12 ^ Close. I thing "more aggressive, more arrogant." Boldness is usually an admirable trait.
Posted by M. Murcek 2021-04-21 08:08||   2021-04-21 08:08|| Front Page Top

#13 Boldness is usually an admirable trait.

Not in criminals.
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2021-04-21 08:12||   2021-04-21 08:12|| Front Page Top

#14 If Derek Chauvin doesn't kill himself in prison

Jeffrey Epstein can't be reached for a comment.
Posted by g(r)omgoru 2021-04-21 08:33||   2021-04-21 08:33|| Front Page Top

#15 After this and several other riot inducing killings, I can foresee the day when a police officer will not interfere with a black man for any reason. Even if the black guy is killing someone else. If the black guy is shooting at the cop, the cop will retreat. Never try to arrest the black guy.
Posted by Rambler in Virginia 2021-04-21 09:58||   2021-04-21 09:58|| Front Page Top

#16 This will be appealed but the appeals will not succeed. Courts have proven unwilling to involve themselves in political trials.
Posted by Glenmore 2021-04-21 10:39||   2021-04-21 10:39|| Front Page Top

#17 All counts huh. Record deliberation times. Wow.
Posted by swksvolFF 2021-04-21 10:57||   2021-04-21 10:57|| Front Page Top

#18 and the jury added the extra charge of being a White Male: Guilty
Posted by Frank G 2021-04-21 11:06||   2021-04-21 11:06|| Front Page Top

#19 show trial... in the USSA
Posted by Jeremiah Dingle8896 2021-04-21 11:08||   2021-04-21 11:08|| Front Page Top

#20 Wait... how many times did he murder Floyd? And how do you kill someone multiple times?

They convicted him three times for the same 'crime'. Isn't that a violation of Double Jeopardy or something.
Posted by CrazyFool 2021-04-21 11:43||   2021-04-21 11:43|| Front Page Top

#21 Seems to me a mistrial should mention how the powers that be did not show the bodycam footage that showed the knee on the shoulders not the neck. They allowed that misinformation to play in the media for months creating an environment where a fair trial was impossible.
Posted by rjschwarz 2021-04-21 11:46||   2021-04-21 11:46|| Front Page Top

#22 This gets back to the question of how you get people to volunteer for military service or law enforcement when they know they will be subject to the whims of politicians who have their heads up the butts. I'm afraid I know the answer. This is one reason why Biden and his ilk want so many immigrants, legal or otherwise. It is expected that these will be ignorant peasants from Third World countries who won't know any better than to obey the orders they get from people like Biden, Harris, Pelosi and Waters.
Posted by Abu Uluque 2021-04-21 11:59||   2021-04-21 11:59|| Front Page Top

#23 For Cops, never hurry to a crime in progress scene, and avoid physical contact with minority suspects, even if it means they can walk away. Always use your audible systems as you approach the scene carefully for safety. Lights and sirens are your best legal protection against being forced to arrest someone who is a threat to your life or pension...21st century urban policing made easy, SF style!
Posted by NoMoreBS 2021-04-21 12:41||   2021-04-21 12:41|| Front Page Top

#24 This was always going to be a rapid conviction on all charges. Didn't matter what the defense did, or what the prosecution presented.

The jury knew if they voted to acquit on ANY of the charges, their names, faces, family members, phone numbers, employers, and HOME ADDRESS would be leaked to BLM/Antifa for direct corrective action via riot, arson and gunfire, and threats to family members.

It really is that simple.

Posted by These Forkbeard7574 2021-04-21 13:29||   2021-04-21 13:29|| Front Page Top

#25 It'll be appealed but denied - lack of standing.
It's been done before. By the Supreme Circus itself.
Posted by CrazyFool 2021-04-21 13:41||   2021-04-21 13:41|| Front Page Top

#26  I can foresee the day when a police officer will not interfere with a black man for any reason.

I propose all police take on-the-job retirement whenever presented with a situation that might involve force against a 'person of color.'
Posted by Glenmore 2021-04-21 15:50||   2021-04-21 15:50|| Front Page Top

#27 ^#22 I'm afraid I know the answer.
You will get military and law enforcement personnel who support the people setting the policy - like the SS ant Gestapo supported the Nazis.
Posted by Glenmore 2021-04-21 15:54||   2021-04-21 15:54|| Front Page Top

#28 Chauvin = human sacrifice. Because rayciss. Because Trump. Because Emmett Till.

This is the logic of Race Communism. Blacks are the noble proletariat. Whites are the evil bourgeoisie. The Party is our Woke UniParty.
Posted by Hupeaque White5408 2021-04-21 17:30||   2021-04-21 17:30|| Front Page Top

#29 The Floyd family got a $27 million settlement, why wasn't this action held until after the trial if it was to happen at all? Guilt hadn't been decided yet, no question this swayed the jury.
Along with jurors not wanting to be doxxed & afraid of violence to their families & rioting in their streets.
Jurors being told not to watch the news, this news was everywhere.
Biden giving his views "while jury was sequestered' but the mob outside heard loud and clear. And Maxine inciting the mob...it just boggles
The calls of this being 'Systemic Racism' from the Lefties is outrageous & tells us these riots will continue.
Posted by Jan 2021-04-21 21:20||   2021-04-21 21:20|| Front Page Top

#30 An immigrant cop on the beat;
Transgender in drone pilot's seat;
And down at the armory,
Jailbird gendarmerie
Bound for some house on your street.
Posted by Sheba Sinatra9468 2021-04-21 21:50||   2021-04-21 21:50|| Front Page Top

#31 Geeze the cost of ammo just went up.
Posted by Woodrow 2021-04-21 22:43||   2021-04-21 22:43|| Front Page Top

#32 #6
You're expecting fair elections?
Ha, thing of the past.
Posted by Spoter B 2021-04-21 23:52||   2021-04-21 23:52|| Front Page Top

#33 #7
You're over estimating fat, spinless, gutless Americans. (Plus the ones working for a living). They will not rise up.
Take it from this CHP1621.
Posted by Spoter B 2021-04-21 23:54||   2021-04-21 23:54|| Front Page Top

08:52 Matt
08:38 Gleng Whaick2262
08:35 Gleng Whaick2262
08:35 Gleng Whaick2262
08:33 Gleng Whaick2262
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08:31 Gleng Whaick2262
08:28 Gleng Whaick2262
08:24 Matt
08:20 SteveS
07:43 Procopius2k
07:42 BrerRabbit
07:42 Procopius2k
07:39 Procopius2k
07:36 Procopius2k
07:35 Procopius2k
07:34 trailing wife
07:31 Procopius2k
07:30 NN2N1
07:22 NN2N1
07:18 trailing wife
07:14 Richard Aubrey
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