Derek Chauvin Convicted of Murder in George Floyd's Death, Medical Experts Refute Drug Overdose Claims

Minneapolis, MN – Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the May 2020 death of George Floyd. The verdict, delivered in April 2021, followed a highly publicized trial that scrutinized Chauvin's actions and the precise cause of Floyd's death. The defense had argued that Chauvin acted within his training and that Floyd's pre-existing health conditions and drug use were primary factors in his demise.

During the trial, medical experts and official autopsy findings clarified the role of Floyd's health and drug use. Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker ruled Floyd's death a homicide, attributing it to "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression." While Floyd had hypertensive heart disease and fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system, Dr. Baker testified that these were "contributing factors" but not the direct cause of death, explicitly stating, "Mr. Floyd’s use of fentanyl did not cause the subdual or neck restraint. His heart disease did not cause the subdual or the neck restraint."

Prosecution medical experts, including pulmonologist Dr. Martin Tobin and forensic pathologist Dr. Lindsey Thomas, further testified that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, or asphyxia, due to the prolonged pressure applied by Chauvin. Dr. Thomas asserted, "There’s no evidence to suggest he would have died that night except for the interactions with law enforcement." This testimony directly countered defense claims that Floyd's death was primarily an "unfortunate consequence that was exacerbated by the fentanyl in his system and his heart condition," as suggested by some social media commentary.

The defense's argument that "Derek Chauvin did what he was trained to do" was also challenged by expert testimony. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo and other use-of-force experts stated that Chauvin's actions violated department policy, training, and ethics, particularly by continuing the restraint after Floyd became unresponsive. The conviction for unintentional second-degree murder indicated criminal culpability for Chauvin's actions, despite the absence of premeditated malice. Floyd's death sparked global protests against racial injustice and police brutality, with the verdict met with widespread reactions across the United States and internationally.