Thread by @PaulBlume_FOX9

COURT IS BACK IN SESSION: Several issues to address. Defense has filed a motion for acquittal after the state's case. Pretty standard stuff here. Judge Cahill likely to reject. Defense atty Eric Nelson arguing now. #DerekChauvinTrial #GeorgeFloyd

Nelson arguing state did not prove the case against #DerekCahuvin beyond a reasonable doubt. Citing use of force threshold not met. Also health, cause of death has not been established again, beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecutors arguing against motion now. #GeorgeFloyd @FOX9

Judge Peter Cahill DENIES motion for acquittal. #DerekChauvinTrial

State law mandates Judge Cahill make his ruling in light most favorable to state. No surprise prosecutor Steve Schleicher argued state had/will prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt on all 3 counts -- murder-2, murder-3, manslaughter-2. Witness Morries Hall up next at 9am CT

MORRIES HALL: Hall attorney says her client *cannot* answer any questions submitted by the court in #DerekChauvinTrial

Morries Hall attorney Adrienne Cousins tells the court he *cannot* put himself in #GeorgeFloyd SUV or he opens himself up to a drug related murder-3 charge if #DerekChauvin is eventually acquitted. @FOX9

DEVELOPING: Witness Morries Hall has just invoked his 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Judge Cahill accepted his position & thus Hall will NOT testify in front of the jury. The jury is not in courtroom for this proceeding. Defense to resume its case shortly.

DEFENSE NEXT WITNESS: Dr. David R. Fowler, a defense medical expert being sworn in now. #DerekChauvinTrial #GeorgeFloyd

Here's a little background reading on Dr. Fowler, a retired forensic pathologist. According to this reporting, Dr. Fowler ran into some controversy during his time as a Maryland medical examiner. #DerekChauvinTrial #GeorgeFloyd

theintercept.com/2021/04/04/der…

MORRIES HALL TAKES THE 5TH: In case you missed it earlier this morning. "I am fearful of criminal charges going forward." #GeorgeFloyd #DerekChauvinTrial @FOX9

Dr Fowler going thru a power point presentation on his conclusion: #GeorgeFloyd died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia brought on by Floyd's heart disease during restraint by police. Also cites toxicology issues plus exposure to the exhaust from the nearby squad (carbon monoxide).

CAUSE OF DEATH: Watch Defense medical expert Dr. David Fowler provide his findings on #GeorgeFloyd cause of death. Dr. Fowler now describing significance of Floyd's "enlarged" heart during the deadly arrest to this jury. #DerekChauvinTrial

FLOYD 2019 ARREST: Defense medical expert Dr. David Fowler on significance of #GeorgeFloyd elevated blood pressure that was measured & documented after the 2019 drug related arrest in #Mpls. Court has now resumed after the AM break. #DerekChauvinTrial

Dr David Fowler detailing his carbon monoxide findings related to death of #GeorgeFloyd. Dr. Fowler has indicated he believes Floyd breathed in chemical exhaust from the nearby MPD squad SUV. Doesn't believe carbon monoxide killed Floyd, but significant contributing factor.

Defense has just used this graphic of the leg from knee to foot to help Dr. Fowler explain why the pressure of #DerekChauvin on #GeorgeFloyd neck & back did not cause the fatal injury. Dr Fowler remains on the witness stand under direct examination.

PILL IN MOUTH? Defense attorney Eric Nelson has asked his medical expert Dr. Fowler what he sees in #GeorgeFloyd mouth at time officer Lane 1st encounters Floyd at driver side window. Fowler says consistent with swallowing drug(s) based on sequence of these body cam screenshots.

Dr. Fowler ended his testimony, telling jury he believes a more appropriate finding for #GeorgeFloyd manner of death is UNDETERMINED rather than HOMICIDE. He cited conflicting findings- underlying health factors, drugs, carbon monoxide for cause of death. Cross exam after lunch.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING? Defense medical expert, Dr. David Fowler is asked about #GeorgeFloyd potential exposure to exhaust from nearby #Mpls squad SUV while pinned to street, face down. Court now in lunch recess until 1:30pm CT.
#DerekChauvinTrial

On cross exam, prosecution pressing Dr. Fowler for proof the squad SUV was even running as a potential CO exhaust danger when #GeorgeFloyd was pinned to ground. Also seeking clarity on whether it was in fact drugs in Floyd mouth, similar photo displayed from Cup Foods below.

After a long day on the witness stand, defense medical expert Dr. Donald Fowler has ended his testimony. Judge Cahill is going to end court for the day. He says the timing of the next witness is best to hold over until Thursday. Court is in recess. #DerekChauvinTrial #GeorgeFloyd

ABOUT THAT PILL: Watch prosecutor Jerry Blackwell press defense medical expert Dr. David Fowler on what might have been in the mouth of #GeorgeFloyd before the deadly arrest. "That would be jumping to a conclusion, wouldn't it?" #DerekChauvinTrial