Police Officer Found Guilty of George Floyd’s Murder

This is Philonise Floyd. He feels relieved. A trial just ended. Derek Chauvin was found guilty. The man who killed his brother, George, will go to prison. Police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and put on trial. He was found guilty of killing George Floyd.

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George Floyd was killed May 25, 2020. A police officer named Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck. George Floyd said, “I can’t breathe.” People asked the police officer to stop. The police officer didn’t listen. George Floyd died after 9 minutes and 29 seconds.

A teenager named Darnella Frazier took a video. Many people saw it. People were sad. People were angry. People marched and protested at the way African Americans are mistreated by the police. Many people believe these protests made a difference in this case.

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Derek Chauvin was arrested. He went on trial. A jury [a group of people chosen to decide something at a trial] listened to evidence [information presented to prove something]. They all agreed. Derek Chauvin was found guilty. He will go to prison. Three police officers were with Derek Chauvin. They did not stop Chauvin. They will also go on trial for helping him.

African Americans are treated unfairly by the police. Many
people hope this verdict [decision in a trial] will help change things.
They hope that what happened to George Floyd will stop happening to African
Americans.

What Do You Think? Think of a time you were treated unfairly. How did it make you feel? What do you think you can do to treat others fairly?

Photo Credit: Mary M. Kelly