Nelson told the jury that if a person dies from a different physiological cause after they re arrested, the defendant is not liable because it s not in the natural course of events and it s not the natural result of the defendant s act.
Going through the testimony of each medical expert who was called by the state, Nelson called into question the prosecution s assertion that asphyxia caused Floyd s death. It flies in the absolute face of reason and common sense, he said. It s astounding. Especially when you consider the actual findings of Dr. Baker. Because Dr. Baker is the only person who actually performed the autopsy in this case.
What prosecutors must prove and what the jury will deliberate
From CNN s Maureen Chowdhury
Following the closing arguments, the jury must deliberate whether or not the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is guilty of three charges.
Here s a look at what prosecutors must prove for each charge:
Second-degree unintentional murder
There is no need to prove intent to kill, just intent to act.
If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
Third-degree murder
Prosecutors must prove Chauvin committed a reckless act that is eminently dangerous to others with depraved mind.
Defense attorney Eric Nelson apologized in advance for being long-winded in his closing argument.
He reminded the jury that Chauvin is presumed innocent and that presumption remains with him until and unless the state has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant does not have to prove his innocence, Nelson emphasized.
9:30 a.m.
Prosecutor Steve Schleicher delivered the state s closing argument to the jury in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. His name was George Perry Floyd, Jr., Schleicher began, telling the jury about Floyd s birth and upbringing. He would always take time, special attention to be with his mother, Schleicher told the jury, reminding them of the testimony from George Floyd s brother, Philonise Floyd. He showed photos of Floyd and his family as he spoke.
Defense attorney Eric Nelson apologized in advance for being long-winded in his closing argument.
He reminded the jury that Chauvin is presumed innocent and that presumption remains with him until and unless the state has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant does not have to prove his innocence, Nelson emphasized. The highest standard in this country is proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
He told the jury that to convict, they would have to find that any defense that has been advanced is unreasonable.
Nelson urged the jury to carefully read the entire set of instructions given to them by the judge.
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AP
In this image taken from video, defense attorney Eric Nelson, left, and defendant, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, right, listen to Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill during pretrial motions, prior to continuing jury selection in the trial of Chauvin, Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. Chauvin is accused in the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd. (Court TV/Pool via Pool)
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AP
In this image taken from video, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill speaks during pretrial motions, prior to continuing jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, Thursday, March 11, 2021, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. Chauvin is accused in the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd. (Court TV/ Pool via AP)