Blackwell confirms Chief Medaria Arradondo will also be called as a witness in the #DerekChauvinTrial.
Blackwell tells jurors they’ll hear from a forensic pathologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist and Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker.
Blackwell says, “This case is not about split second decision making”, referencing length of the bystander video.
Blackwell says he’s going to show jurors video shortly.
“The video is graphic, it can be difficult to watch. It is simply the nature of what we’re dealing with in this trial”
“The video is graphic, it can be difficult to watch. It is simply the nature of what we’re dealing with in this trial”
Blackwell now plays bystander video of #GeorgeFloyd’s death for the jury.
Blackwell now talking about the concept of intent- “We’re going to show you that .. what Mr. Chauvin was doing, he was doing it deliberately”.
Blackwell says jury will hear from MPD members who will talk about use of prone position, Chauvin’s training.
“Above all the police are trained in the side-recovery position ... you turn them over on their side as soon as possible so you don’t obstruct their airway”
“Above all the police are trained in the side-recovery position ... you turn them over on their side as soon as possible so you don’t obstruct their airway”
Blackwell tells jury they will see evidence #GeorgeFloyd died from lack of oxygen. He then sets up argument that Floyd did not die from heart problem or from an overdose.
Blackwell brings up picture of #GerogeFloyd and shares that Floyd was a 46 year old father, was a basketball player, moved to Minnesota from Texas for a fresh start, “He is a COVID survivor, George Floyd was”.
Blackwell wraps up by telling the jury, “There was no excuse for the police abuse of Mr. Chauvin”.
Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson now delivering his opening statement, opens by talking about reasonable doubt.
“What would a reasonable police officer do? What is a reasonable use of force? ... What is a reasonable doubt?”
“What would a reasonable police officer do? What is a reasonable use of force? ... What is a reasonable doubt?”
Nelson says “There is no political or social cause in this courtroom”, telling the jury the evidence is what matters.
Nelson argues the case “is about more than 9 minutes 29 seconds”.
Nelson says jury will hear from a clerk at the Cup Foods at 38th and Chicago who interacted with #GeorgeFloyd, says they’ll see video from inside the store.
Nelson says jury will hear from a clerk at the Cup Foods at 38th and Chicago who interacted with #GeorgeFloyd, says they’ll see video from inside the store.
Nelson says jury will also hear from the two people who were with #GeorgeFloyd at 38th and Chicago on May 25, 2020.
Nelson tells the jury “The evidence will show that when confronted by police, Mr. Floyd put drugs in his mouth in an effort to conceal them from police”, also says they’ll see surveillance video from a nearby store.
Nelson describing struggle at squad, says surveillance video shows the vehicle rocking back and forth.
Nelson says there’s more to scene than what was in front of the officers and tells jurors “there is a growing crowd in what officers perceive to be a threat”.
Nelson talking to jurors about #GeorgeFloyd’s autopsy, arguing opposite of state by pointing to presence of drugs in Floyd’s system, says autopsy shows “many other issues”.
Nelson wraps up opening statement. Recess now until 11:15am.
Jerry Blackwell’s opening statement for @AGEllison’s team went about 50 min.
Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson’s opening statement lasted about half an hour.
Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson’s opening statement lasted about half an hour.
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