Derek Chauvin has invoked his Fifth Amendment right and will not testify at his trial for the murder of George Floyd.
As per CBS News, this comes after the defense presented a medical testimony that contradicted the case made by the prosecution over Floyd's death in May of last year.
Contrary to the numerous medical experts, such as Dr. Martin Tobin, who have testified for the prosecution and stated that the officers' restraint restricted oxygen to Floyd's body and caused his heart to stop. Dr. David Fowler, a forensic pathologist and former Maryland chief medical examiner, told the court yesterday that Floyd died as a result of sudden cardiac arrhythmia brought on by underlying heart disease.
This is the moment Chauvin told the court he would be remaining silent:Fowler added there were other contributing factors to Floyd's death including the use of the drugs and possible carbon monoxide poisoning via exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes.
He also cited Floyd's paraganglioma - a pelvic tumor that emits adrenaline - as a potential contributing factor.
"All of those combined to cause Mr. Floyd's death," Fowler said.
Chauvin, in footage that shocked the world, was seen kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, despite Floyd saying that he couldn't breathe.
Speaking through a microphone, Chauvin answered questions from his lawyer Eric Nelson, explaining to the court that he understands the implications of his right to remain silent.
Nelson explained that he and Chauvin had a number of conversations about his testimony, and Chauvin was advised by Nelson that the decision of whether to give one or not was his own.
The lawyer asked Chauvin if he understood that should he invoke the Fifth Amendment, the court and state cannot "equate your silence with guilt."
"Yes," Chauvin said.
The former police officer, who is charged with second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, said that he understood that waiving his right to remain silent would result in extensive cross-examination.
"We have gone back and forth on the matter would be kind of an understatement, right?" Nelson asked.
"Yes it is," Chauvin said.
Nelson explained that he and Chavin had discussed his testimony over Floyd's death extensively and again on Wednesday (April 15) at night, with the former police officer agreeing.
He was then asked if the pair had reached a decision on the matter.
"I will invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege today," Chauvin said.