Yesterday, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half year's in prison for the murder of George Floyd.
His sentencing came after being convicted of second-degree unintentional murder back in April. The former cop was also found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder.
At his sentencing hearing yesterday, Chauvin wore a grey suit and publicly addressed the Floyd family for the first time.
Watch the moment Chauvin heard his sentence in the video below:Per CNN, Chauvin said prior to his sentence being imposed: "Due to some additional legal matters at hand, I’m not able to really give a full formal statement at this time. Briefly, though, I do want to give my condolences to the Floyd family." He then appeared to turn to look at George Floyd's family.
Chauvin then added: "There's gonna be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind. Thank you."
Watch Chauvin's comments in the video below:While Chauvin's comments were brief, it is believed to be the most he has said publicly since he was recorded by bystanders kneeling on George Floyd during the fatal arrest back in May 2020.
CNN also reports that Chauvin's 22 and a half year sentence exceeds the Minnesota sentencing guideline range of 10 years and eight months to 15 years for the crime - however, it is still shorter than the 30 years prosecutors were seeking.
Minnesota law will require Chauvin to serve two-third of his sentence (15 years), after which, he will be eligible for supervised release for the remaining seven and a half years.
The Metro reports that prior to issuing Chauvin's sentence, Judge Peter Cahill stated that he had read an additional statement from Chauvin that has not been made public.
Cahill also stated that the 22 and a half year sentence was not influenced by either emotion or public opinion, but he did say that he "[acknowledged] the deep and tremendous pain that all of the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family."
Per CNN, Cahill wrote in a 22-page memorandum that Chauvin "abused his position of trust or authority" and treated Floyd with "particular cruelty". These two aggravating factors are what lead to his harsher sentence.
The judge added that Chauvin treated Floyd "without respect and denied him the dignity owed to all human beings."
Minnesota Department of Corrections spokesperson Sarah Fitzgerald told CNN that Chauvin will now be held in a restricted housing unit separated from the general population at the Minnesota Oak Park Heights correctional facility.
Fitzgerald noted that his "ultimate placement is undetermined," but Chauvin's safety is a "predominate concern".