Third-Degree Murder Count Added to George Floyd’s Accused Killer

George Floyd’s accused killer will face an extra murder charge, the presiding judge ruled Thursday.

Judge Peter Cahill restored a third-degree count against former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, following a reversal from the Minnesota Court of Appeals on March 5. He originally refused to reinstate the charge in late 2020.

Now, Chauvin faces three charges—second-degree murder, manslaughter, and third-degree murder. Adding the third-degree charge gives jurors a middle ground between second degree murder, which would require prosecutors to prove the death was the result of another felony, and manslaughter, which carries a lower penalty.

The case will continue ...