Justice for George Floyd Waits Until August


Derek Chauvin was chump change. He was convicted in what seemed like a slam dunk case. 

One bad cop heads to the slam. Big deal.

The real deal comes in August when the three other cops, Derek Chauvin's bystanders, stand trial. 

...three other former Minneapolis police officers — Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng — are scheduled to head to court in August.

The three men face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder as well as second-degree manslaughter. Like Chauvin, they could each face up to 40 years in prison for the aiding and abetting murder charge, but sentencing guidelines could limit the maximum sentence to around 15 years. At a Minnesota Court of Appeals hearing scheduled for next month, the state will attempt to add a third-degree murder charge for Thao, Lane and Kueng.

When a cop murders a civilian, it often occurs in the presence of other officers. Invariably no action is taken against the bystanders.

When Forcillo emptied his pistol into Sammy Yatim there were many cops standing at either side of him. They watched Forcillo execute Yatim, firing two distinct volleys, while they did nothing to stop the killing. They just stood mute and passive after Yatim dropped to the bus floor while Forcillo fired another volley into his victim. 

I hope Thao, Lane and Kueng are tried and convicted. No guilty pleas, no plea bargains. A verdict of aiding and abetting murder. No impunity for police bystanders. Then the death of George Floyd will deliver real justice. Then cops will have to worry about their own necks when one in their ranks goes rogue.

Comments

  1. John B.April 21, 2021 at 3:49 PM

    I wonder whether the video would have led to any charges if George Floyd hadn't died.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Disaffected LibApril 21, 2021 at 5:18 PM

      I doubt it, John. It was watching this handcuffed man being put to death that finally pricked the public conscience.

      Delete
  2. TrailblazerApril 21, 2021 at 5:55 PM

    Just how much more dysfunctional can the US become?

    TB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Disaffected LibApril 21, 2021 at 6:23 PM

      I can't tell if there is a bottom, TB, or whether the US still has far to go.

      Delete
    2. Northern PoVApril 22, 2021 at 5:16 AM

      "the US still has far to go"

      y-y-y-y-y-you ain't seen nothin' yet

      Delete
  3. UvulaApril 23, 2021 at 4:53 PM

    Not sure if they have that much further to go with stories like this. https://nypost.com/2020/05/29/officers-protect-home-of-derek-chauvin-after-george-floyd-death/
    Another story I read was a cop spouting about how this verdict will start a run of throwing cops in jail for "doing their job".

    ReplyDelete

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