After Minneapolis announced they’d give the family of George Floyd $27 million, two jurors were excused from Derek Chauvin’s trial.
Judge Peter Cahill of Hennepin County said the civil settlement announcement in the middle of jury selection was “incredibly prejudicial.”
Last week, Judge Cahill asked jurors if extensive news coverage would affect their ability to serve impartially. One juror was excused due to their experience with the Minneapolis Police Department and their views on them. Another was let go after he said he was shocked at the amount of the settlement. He also admitted it would be hard to remain impartial.
Juror #75 has been unemployed since the start of the pandemic. They're concerned being a juror could impact their job search.
They're proceeding as if it wouldn't be an issue. Eric Nelson is up now.#ChauvinTrial
— Ana Lastra (@AnaViLastra) March 17, 2021
Nelson asks about Juror #75's views on police and if they find police officers more credible compared to a bystander.
Juror #75: If it's a topic related to law or law enforcement, for sure. In general…maybe. #ChauvinTrial
— Ana Lastra (@AnaViLastra) March 17, 2021
As a result, Judge Cahill retained five of the remaining jurors. The search continues for seven more jurors. Judge Cahill is considering delaying the trial, starting on May 29, or moving it to another city where media coverage won’t be too influential. The Independent reports Judge Cahill said the jury wouldn’t be sequestered any sooner than deliberations or give the defense more jury selection strikes due to the settlement.
The court will also rule on March 18 if the defense can include Floyd’s 2019 arrest details. Judge Cahill previously rejected it, but he said he’d consider new arguments that made the arrest admissible.
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