Derek Chauvin Trial: Jury Selection Gets Delayed Over Murder Charge Appeal

Derek Chauvin Trial
Derek Chauvin Trial

Jury selection for the prominent Derek Chauvin case has been delayed for at least another day, recent reports suggest. This happens after the appeals court asked Judge Cahill to reconsider his original decision to dismiss the third-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer. This news came as a pool of potential jurors waited to start the selection process for the trial.

Peter Cahill, Hennepin County District Judge sent the prospective jurors home this Monday after realizing that there will be a delay in their selection process. Currently, prosecutors are seeking guidance from a state appeals court over the additional third-degree murder charge against the former police officer.

Cahill says, “Just looking at the clock, we have jurors, but I think realistically we’re not going to get to any jury selection.” He further went on to say, “We won’t have an answer until at least tomorrow.”

March 29 Set For Derek Chauvin Case’s Opening Statement

It has already been almost 10 months since the murder of George Floyd by the former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, as has been recorded in a video footage of the day. He is presently charged with manslaughter and second-degree murder. Judge Cahill had tossed the additional third-degree murder charge last year.

Before moving on to the trial, the prosecution declares that they want to be absolutely sure of Cahill’s jurisdiction. They say that no risks can be taken when there is such an anticipated trial in question. They further mention that they want a clear check from the appeals court before the trial proceeds.

Cahill had initially declared that he would move ahead with jury selection even though the matter regarding the additional charge remains unresolved. This is because finding an impartial jury in such a trial might take up weeks before they can move into opening statements.