Judge ‘Cahill’ ruled that only one family member will be allowed in the courtroom during the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer ‘Derek Chauvin’ charged in Floyd’s death, family attorneys said Tuesday. Different family members will be able to rotate through that position.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci issued a brief written statement:
“This has been a deeply painful and emotional year for every member of the Floyd family, many of whom intended to be in the courtroom to witness this trial, which is now expected to begin on March 29,” said the statement from Crump and Romanucci. “While they understand the judge’s reasons to limit attendance in the courtroom, the family is understandably disappointed by this ruling.
“The family is looking forward to the start of the trial as a critical milestone on the path to justice and a step toward closure in this dark chapter of their lives.”
COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing, have significantly altered how the trial will proceed and how many people will be allowed in the trial courtroom, which has been outfitted with see-through partitions to protect people.
Chauvin’s trial is scheduled to begin March 8 with jury selection; opening statements and testimony are scheduled to begin March 29.
