Derek Chauvin trial: Opening arguments begin for ex-cop charged in George Floyd's death | FULL

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04/14/21

WARNING: This event was streamed live and may contain graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.

The trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer accused of killing George Floyd, began Monday with opening arguments.

Special prosecutor Jerry Blackwell told the jurors that officers who wear the Minneapolis police badge pledge never to use "unnecessary force or violence."

"You will learn that on May 25, Mr. Derek Chauvin betrayed this badge when he used excessive and unreasonable force upon the body of George Floyd," he said.

Defence lawyer Eric Nelson used his opening statement to describe Floyd's drug use, his underlying health problems and a chaotic scene during the arrest. "Derek Chauvin did exactly what he was trained to do over the course of his 19-year career,” he stated.

The first witness was Jena Scurry, a Minneapolis 911 emergency dispatcher who watched live surveillance video footage of Floyd’s arrest. Scurry said her instinct told her “something is wrong," and that she called a supervising police sergeant.

Other witnesses included Donald Williams and Alisha Oyler, bystanders of the arrest.

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minn. after the officer knelt on his neck for an extended period during an arrest. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charge.

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