Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for murder of George Floyd

MINNESOTA, USA

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, was handed his sentence Friday.

In April, Chauvin, 45, was found guilty on three counts: Second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes. 

He is widely expected to appeal.

Chauvin was sentenced on the most serious charge, second-degree unintentional murder, which under Minnesota law has a maximum sentence of 40 years.

The sentencing guideline was 150 months.

"This is based on your abuse of a position of trust and authority and also the particular cruelty shown to George Floyd,” Cahill said.

When asked by the judge if he wanted to say anything on the record before the sentence was handed down, Chauvin shared a brief message.

"I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There’s going to be some other information in the future that will be of interest and I hope things would give you some peace of mind. Thank you.”