Ex-Minneapolis Cop Derek Chauvin Gets 22.5 Years in Prison for George Floyd's Murder

By Mary Webber Jun 25 2021, 23:23 PM EDT

Former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin has received a prison sentence of 22.5 years for second-degree unintentional murder in connection with George Floyd's death.

Minnesota District Court Judge Peter Cahill on Friday, June 25, said the sentencing memorandum would explain his reasoning on the sentence more comprehensively, Fox News reported.

Cahill noted that as opposed to trying to be profound on the record, he would prefer for people to read the 22-page memorandum.

The judge added that the sentence was not motivated by public opinion, emotion, or sympathy. He also said he granted Derek Chauvin credit for 199 days in time already served.

According to a CBS News report, Cahill's sentence fell short of the prosecutor's request of 30 years in prison, which is more than double the upper limit specified in sentencing guidelines for a first-time offender.

However, the judge noted that his sentence already surpassed the state's sentencing guidelines of 12 and a half years because the former Minneapolis cop abused a "position of trust and authority." He added that Derek Chauvin also displayed a "particular cruelty" toward George Floyd.

Derek Chauvin's Sentencing

George Floyd's sister, Bridgett, celebrated Cahill's decision on Chauvin's prison sentence. She said it showed that matters of police brutality are being taken seriously.

However, George Floyd's nephew, Brandon Williams, said in a press conference after the hearing that 22 and a half years was not enough, USA Today reported. Brandon and many others said the sentence was "not justice."

Rev. Al Sharpton noted that it was not justice because George Floyd is still in a grave even though Chauvin will be in jail. Sharpton added that justice would have been Floyd never having been killed and having the maximum sentence for Chauvin.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the sentencing was "an important moment" for the country.

Meanwhile, Derek Chauvin offered his condolences to Floyd's family during the sentencing hearing, but he did not apologize for his actions. The former Minneapolis cop said he was unable to speak further due to other ongoing litigation.

George Floyd's Murder

Derek Chauvin and three other Minneapolis cops arrested George Floyd last May after a convenience store clerk called 911 and reported that the 46-year-old Black man had bought a pack of cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.

Video footage showed that the police officers had taken a series of actions that had violated the policies of the Minneapolis Police Department.

The event had turned fatal, leading to Floyd's death after Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on his neck. Floyd was seen pleading as he was unable to breathe. He and other onlookers also called out for help.

The said police department had fired all four police officers that were involved in Floyd's death. Later last May, the Hennepin County Attorney, Mike Freeman, has filed third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges against Derek Chauvin.

There were arguments over the length of time that Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd's neck. However, Jamar Nelson, who is working with the families of crime victims in Minneapolis, said it makes no difference since it was long enough to kill George Floyd.

WATCH: Derek Chauvin Sentenced to 22 1/2 Years in Prison for George Floyd's murder - From ABC7