Derek Chauvin Trial: 13 juror have been selected, court seeking 2 more
In the murder trial of former Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin jury selection has entered in the third week. Only seven days are left to go before opening statements and at least two jurors still to be seated.
As of now, 13 jurors have been seated. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill said the court would pick two more jurors for a total of 15. Among 15 jurors,12 will be deliberated and three for serving as alternates.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter of George Floyd, a Black man.
About the Jury
Thirteen jurors- 5 men and 8 women- have been selected. 7 are white, 2 are multiracial and 4 are Black, as per court. Five of the jurors are in their 20s or 30s, three in their 40s, four in their 50s and one in their 60s.
Defense and Prosecution attorneys have spent the past two weeks questioning potential jurors about their views on racism, discrimination, policing of communities of color and Black Lives Matter. The previous week, lead defense attorney Eric Nelson told a prospective juror that the trial is “not about race.”
Jurors will be allowed to hear evidence related to George Floyd’s arrest in 2019, Cahill ruled Friday. He also denied the defense’s request to move or delay the trial.
Opening statements are scheduled to start on March 29.
