Chauvin etc Trial Thread (George Floyd)

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Tou Thao sentenced to 3.5 years, J. Alexander Kueng gets 3 years for violating George Floyd's civil rights​

Updated on: July 27, 2022 / 7:46 AM / CBS Minnesota

"Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao was sentenced Wednesday to three-and-a-half years for violating George Floyd's civil rights, while J. Alexander Kueng received a three-year sentence.
Kueng and Thao were convicted in February of two counts of violating Floyd's civil rights in the 2020 slaying. The jury found they deprived the 46-year-old Black man of medical care and failed to stop Derek Chauvin as he knelt on Floyd's neck for 9 1/2 minutes while Floyd gasped for air.
Kueng held Floyd's back, former Officer Thomas Lane held his feet and Thao kept back bystanders, some of whom recorded video that led to worldwide protests.
Chauvin, who pleaded guilty last year to violating Floyd's civil rights and the civil rights of a teenager in an unrelated case, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. Lane, who twice asked if Floyd should be rolled onto his side so he could breathe, was convicted of one count and was sentenced to 2 1/2."

"U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson said both Kueng and Thao will surrender on Oct. 4, and serve their sentences either in the Duluth or Yankton, South Dakota federal facilities. Thao was given 42 months for each charge, while Kueng got 36 months for the two, and Magnuson said both charges would be served concurrently. Their prison sentences will be followed by two years of supervised release."

"Thao made a 20-minute long statement before his sentencing, in which he quoted versus of the Bible and talked about his Christian faith, which he came to after May of 2020."

"Kueng, who is Black, and Thao, who is Hmong American, still face a state trial that's slated to begin on Oct. 24. Lane, who is white, pleaded guilty to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing in that case. He was allowed to remain free on bond after his federal sentencing.
Chauvin, who is white, was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in state court and is serving a 22 1/2-year state sentence. His federal and state sentences are being served simultaneously."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/kueng-thao-sentencing-george-floyd-live-updates/


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

8 minority COs settle suit over guarding Derek Chauvin​

"ST. PAUL, Minn. — Eight minority corrections officers who were working at the jail where a former Minneapolis police officer was awaiting trial in the death of George Floyd were awarded nearly $1.5 million Tuesday to settle a lawsuit.
The officers filed the racial discrimination complaint after a Ramsey County Jail superintendent barred officers of color from entering the floor where Derek Chauvin was being held. The settlement also calls for the county to apologize in a written statement and acknowledge that order was discriminatory and wrong."

"Steve Lydon, the jail superintendent, allegedly told superiors that he was informed that day that Chauvin would be arriving in 10 minutes and he made a call “to protect and support” minority employees by shielding them from Chauvin. Lydon was later demoted.
Board Chairwoman Trista MatasCastillo apologized in a statement and said the decisions by leaders in the sheriff’s department, which runs the jail, was “more than just wrong — they were racist, heinous, highly disrespectful and completely out of line with Ramsey County’s vision and values.”
The eight plaintiffs said they hope jail managers will work toward meaningful changes that create a safe and welcoming working environment."

https://www.corrections1.com/lawsui...ail&utm_term=0_32ad26c2a2-42cf12182d-85077520


Please continue to pray for peace.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Monday Hearing Set for 2 Ex-cops in George Floyd's Killing​

August 11, 2022 / 4:38 PM / AP

"MINNEAPOLIS -- A judge scheduled a hearing for Monday on the "status of plea negotiations" for the two remaining officers awaiting trial on state charges in the killing of George Floyd
, with the hearing coming after the judge's window for accepting any deal appears to have closed.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill said in previous orders that he would not accept plea agreements unless they came within a 15-day window after former Officers Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng were sentenced in federal court on separate civil rights charges. Those sentences came down July 27. His orders did not specify business days or calendar days.
Court spokesman Matt Lehman said only that Monday's scheduled 9 a.m. hearing was "to discuss the status of plea negotiations."
The Minnesota attorney general's office had no comment on the nature of the hearing. Thao's attorney, Bob Paule, and Kueng's attorney, Thomas Plunkett, did not immediately return phone messages.
The trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 24, with opening statements Nov. 7."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...-george-floyds-killing/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Everlasting Life]

Thao made a 20-minute long statement before his sentencing, in which he quoted versus of the Bible and talked about his Christian faith, which he came to after May of 2020."

This is good news in the midst of a challenging situation. Praise God!

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Derek Chauvin Moved from Solitary Confinement to Medium-Security Arizona Federal Prison​

August 25, 2022 / 6:01 PM / AP

"Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted in George Floyd's killing, has been moved from a Minnesota state prison — where he was often held in solitary confinement — to a medium-security federal prison in Arizona, where he may be held under less restrictive conditions.

Chauvin was taken Wednesday from a maximum-security prison in a Minneapolis suburb, where he often spent most of his day in a 10-by-10-foot cell, to the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, according to the Bureau of Prisons. The Tucson facility houses 266 inmates, both male and female, as part of a larger complex that includes a high-security penitentiary and a minimum-security satellite camp.

Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman Randilee Giamussoau declined to detail the circumstances of Chauvin's confinement, citing privacy, safety and security concerns.

Experts said earlier that Chauvin was likely to be safer in the federal system. It typically houses less-violent inmates, and he'd be less likely to mix with inmates he had arrested or investigated as a Minneapolis police officer.

"It's dangerous to be an officer in any prison," former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger said after Chauvin was sentenced last month. "It's even more dangerous in state prison because of the nature of the inmate population. There are gangs, for example. And police officers just don't do well there. Those risks are reduced in a federal prison.""

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/derek-...n-george-floyd-killing/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h


Even Federal prison here in Minnesota wouldn't have been safe, so now it's going to be hard for family to visit. Unless they move, which they might have to do because of safety and harassment concerns.


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

2 Former Minneapolis Police Officers Charged in George Floyd's Killing Reject Plea Deals​

August 15, 2022 / 2:22 PM / AP

"Two former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd's killing told a judge Monday that they have rejected plea deals that would have resulted in three-year sentences, setting the stage for trial in October."

"Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill had set a limited window for accepting a plea deal ahead of trial, and Monday's brief hearing served to formalize the two ex-officers' rejections of the state's offers.

"It would be lying for me to accept any plea offer," said Thou, who held back concerned bystanders as Chauvin pinned Floyd. Kueng did not give his reasons for rejecting the state's offer.

Thao, Kueng and Lane were convicted in federal court in February of violating Floyd's civil rights. Lane, who is White, held Floyd's legs and twice asked if he should be turned on his side, and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years. Thao, who is Hmong American, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years. Kueng, who is Black, pinned Floyd's back, and was sentenced to 3 years. Thao and Kueng are appealing their federal convictions."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tou-th...lea-deals-george-floyd/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Thomas Lane sentenced to 3 years on state charges in George Floyd's death​

By WCCO Staff
Updated on: September 21, 2022 / 10:13 AM / CBS/AP

"MINNEAPOLIS – A former Minneapolis police officer who pleaded guilty to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd was sentenced Wednesday to three years.

Thomas Lane pleaded guilty back in May. Judge Peter Cahill sentenced Lane to 36 months Wednesday morning.

The three-year sentence is shorter than the presumptive sentence, which would typically be 41 to 57 months.

Cahill says the shorter sentence is under the basis that Lane played a less culpable role in Floyd's death.

"There were moments where Mr. Lane tried to change what was going on that day, initially trying to deescalate that situation with Mr. Floyd, and even calling attention to maybe some better way to handle it. Those are different than what others at the scene did," Cahill said."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/l...entencing-george-floyd/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h


Please continue to pray for peace.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Looks like community policing plus objective based policing plus Compstat on steroids . . . coordinate and deploy more than just the police (social workers, counselors, mental health responders, etc.). In theory, it'll work, especially since churches, organizations, businesses, etc. have "always" been heavily involved in the community, and the general "Minnesota Nice." The weak links I see are the macho police department culture and overworked (understaffing), poorly selected and trained officers, who are scared of the community. Let's see what happens in real life.

Mayor Frey, Dr. Cedric Alexander launch "Operation Endeavor" to reduce crime in Minneapolis​

By WCCO Staff, David Schuman
Updated on: September 22, 2022 / 4:11 PM / CBS Minnesota

"MINNEAPOLIS -- Roughly six weeks after Dr. Cedric Alexander was sworn in as Minneapolis' first community safety commissioner, he announced a plan - along with Mayor Jacob Frey and other local officials - to reduce crime in the city.

Called "Operation Endeavor," Frey called it a comprehensive approach to public safety and it will coordinate city services - from police to prosecutors to violence prevention groups - and crack down on crime.

Using data, these services will be deployed strategically throughout the city.

Beginning with downtown, "the ripple effects will be felt city-wide," Alexander said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon. He was flanked by Frey, Minnesota's Commissioner of Public Safety John Harrington, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, Minneapolis Police Commander Jason Case, and Jennifer White from the Office of Violence Prevention, among others.

He emphasized that the coordination wouldn't result in the displacement of officers - rather, it would better leverage internal resources, like the violence interruptor program. But he also acknowledged the staffing issues that have plagued Minneapolis police over the last few years, and Frey added that they'd launched a $1-to-1.2 million campaign to recruit more officers."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...unce-plan-for-crime-reduction-in-minneapolis/


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[seated with Christ]

They have a prison in a suburb?

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

They have a prison in a suburb?

Where are prisons supposed to be located?


There's a minimum-level State prison in a very nice suburb, a maximum-level State prison in another very nice suburb, a all-level women's State prison (supposedly one of the most modern rehabilitative and restorative justice facilities in the country) in another decent suburb, medium-security State prison and minimum-security State bootcamp in a very nice forested/wilderness area, other State prisons in less desirable areas, etc. No State prisons in Minneapolis or Saint Paul. Hennepin County Jail is in Minneapolis. Ramsey County Jail is in Saint Paul.

Minnesota
https://mn.gov/doc/facilities/

Hennepin County (Minneapolis)
https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-go...etention-services/adult-detention-center-jail

Ramsey County (Saint Paul)
https://www.hennepinsheriff.org/jail-warrants/jail-information/bail-visiting-hours

Federal correctional facilities in Minnesota
https://federalcriminaldefenseattorney.com/federal-bureau-prisons/minnesota/

 

[Andy C]

Where are prisons supposed to be located?

Southern California…

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

State, cops seek to bar evidence in trial over George Floyd killing​

October 5, 2022 / 3:50 PM / AP
"MINNEAPOLIS — Prosecutors and defense attorneys for two former Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd have filed more than 100 motions to limit testimony or evidence at trial — with many requests relying heavily on what happened at the previous two trials in Floyd's death.

J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. With jury selection to begin Oct. 24, both sides are using what they learned in the prior trials to try to shape the proceeding in their favor. Hearings on the motions are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Defense attorney Mike Brandt, who isn't connected to the case, said it's typical pretrial maneuvering for the two sides to guess what the other will introduce and try to gain an advantage. Kueng and Thao "have a better crystal ball," he said."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...-evidence-in-trial-over-george-floyd-killing/


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

George Floyd killing: Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng to begin federal term Tuesday​

Updated on: October 4, 2022 / 9:43 AM / AP

"MINNEAPOLIS — Two of the four former Minneapolis police officers who were convicted of violating George Floyd's civil rights during the May 2020 restraint that killed him are scheduled to begin serving their federal sentences Tuesday.

J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao are scheduled to report to the U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday morning. The Bureau of Prisons typically would assign them to a federal facility, but authorities have not publicly said where they will go. They are scheduled to go to trial on state charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter later this month.

Messages left with their attorneys were not returned. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said it anticipates Kueng and Thao will be transferred into its custody for the trial, but further specifics were not provided for security reasons. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill issued an order Monday saying the sheriff's office must provide the men with access to three sets of clothing for the trial — as well as for two hearings scheduled for later this week — further suggesting that they will be in local custody.

There is nothing in the public record to indicate that Kueng's and Thao's federal sentences have been delayed. The U.S. Marshals Service said the officers were not in its custody on Monday.

The federal Bureau of Prisons said it cannot release information about Kueng and Thao until they arrive at their destination.'

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...-to-begin-federal-term/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Local musicians find solidarity performing at George Floyd Square every week​

October 3, 2022 / 10:44 PM / CBS Minnesota

'MINNEAPOLIS — On any given Monday, there's a community concert at the corner of 38th and Chicago.

A group of local musicians playing saxophone, trumpet, drums and more gather at the site of what once was a Speedway gas station across from where George Floyd was killed more than two years ago. Their mission is to support the community and provide healing to a place marked by painful memories.

"We saw early on where there were so many people who saw George Floyd's murder and said, "what do I do? I don't know what to do,'" said Butchy Austin, a local musician and founding member of Brass Solidarity. "But a lot of us as musicians felt we could use our art and use our gifts as an offering to this space and to the movement."

Austin would often play his trumpet solo at George Floyd Square following Floyd's death. He found others performing with the same purpose the day the verdict came in Derek Chauvin's murder trial, including Kristen Froebel, a saxophone player.

She approached Austin and asked if he would join her and other local musicians to play together.

Soon after, Brass Solidarity was born.

"I like to say we were cofounded by many people wanting to take part in the movement for justice after the death of George Floyd," Froebel said. "We want to be a part of the call for justice and we want to also contribute good feelings to the community."

Now the group plays every Monday at 4:30 p.m. and they haven't missed a performance there in 81 weeks, Froebel said. Songs on the setlist include "This Little Light of Mine" and "When The Saints Go Marching In."

The group started with just a few people and has grown to 25 musicians—some previously played music together and others never knew each other before Brass Solidarity. A few of them recently lent their talents to the Minnesota nurses' strike, playing their songs on the picket lines.

They welcome new members."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...loyd-square-every-week/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h


Please continue to pray for peace

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Jury selection was supposed to have started today in the State trial of former officers Kueng and Thao.

Kueng Pleads Guilty to Aiding, Abetting Manslaughter; Thao to have Trial by "Stipulated Evidence"​

Also includes:
Community members say developments will spare many pain of reliving Floyd's death

George Floyd's family legal team releases statement following Kueng's guilty plea​

Legal analysis of Kueng, Thao court decisions​

MN Police Association responds​

AG Keith Ellison responds to Monday's proceedings​

By WCCO Staff
Updated on: October 24, 2022 / 5:24 PM / CBS/AP

"MINNEAPOLIS -- Another former Minneapolis police officer has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.

In exchange for J. Alexander Kueng 's guilty plea just as jury selection was to begin Monday, a count of aiding and abetting second-degree murder will be dismissed. Kueng is the second officer to plead guilty to the state charge. Thomas Lane earlier pleaded guilty to the same count.

In an unusual twist, the state trial for former MPD officer Tou Thao will be held via "stipulated evidence," and only for the second count, that of second-degree aiding and abetting manslaughter.

What that means is that there will be no testimony; Thao waived his right to testify in his own defense. All evidence will be entered in written form, and can include testimony and evidence presented in previous trials.

If Thao is found guilty on the second count, the state would agree to dismiss the second-degree aiding and abetting murder count Thao was charged with.

Attorney Joe Tamburino, not connected with this case, said that to perform a trial in this manner is "very unusual" and rarely happens.

"In my 33 years of experience with over 100 jury trials, defense attorneys don't waive a jury unless they have a very, very good idea what the judge will do," Tamburino said. "The main reason you don't waive a jury is that a jury needs to be unanimous ... and a 'bench trial' is just one person -- the judge."

Lawyers for both sides will have until Nov. 17 to submit their final arguments, and then Judge Peter Cahill will have 90 days to render a verdict.

Cahill, during Monday's proceedings, mentioned that Thao had recently suffered a concussion. He has been in prison on federal charges for over a month. Thao replied that he was clear-headed Monday and understood the decision he was making in pursuing the trial via "stipulated evidence."

No members of Floyd's family were in court Monday morning. The only courtroom spectators were two women about 30 years old supporting Kueng."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/l...monday-kueng-thao-trial-george-floyd-killing/



Please continue to pray for peace

 

[ItIsFinished!]

He never had a chance.

Exactly.
Absolutely pathetic.

 

[antitox]

Yes. We knew he was doomed from the start.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Fate of Tou Thao, last ex-cop charged in George Floyd's murder, lies with judge​

January 31, 2023 / 8:52 PM / AP

"Tuesday was the deadline for prosecutors and defense attorneys to file final written arguments in the case of Thao, the last of the four former officers facing judgement in Floyd's killing.

The state and federal cases against Derek Chauvin and the two other officers involved have largely been resolved, except for Chauvin's appeal of his murder conviction. But Thao asked Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill to decide, based on stipulated evidence, whether he is guilty of aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter in Floyd's killing, rather than going to trial."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...rged-in-george-floyds-murder-lies-with-judge/


Please continue to pray for peace.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Prosecutors drop appeals against 2 ex-cops in George Floyd case​

January 11, 2023 / 9:46 PM / AP

"MINNEAPOLIS - A federal appeals court on Wednesday accepted the government's request to drop its appeals of the sentences of two former Minneapolis police officers who were convicted of civil rights violations in the murder of George Floyd.

The one-page filings in the cases of ex-officers J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao gave few details. In July, Federal Judge Paul Magnuson sentenced Kueng to three years in prison and Thao to 3 1/2 years. Those sentences were lower than what federal prosecutors had sought. The court docket indicated there had been little activity in the case since prosecutors filed their notices of appeal in September."

More
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/n...peals-against-2-ex-cops-in-george-floyd-case/


Please continue to pray for peace.

 

[ItIsFinished!]

Praying for release. None of those particular police officers involved in that case should be in jail.