The Derek Chauvin trial will not be delayed and will not move. Judge Pete Cahill announced his decision this morning and said “Unfortunately, I think the pre-trial publicity in this case will continue no matter how long we continue it, perhaps some of it may with time be forgotten by people and as far as change of venue, I do not think that would give the defendant any kind of fair trial beyond what we are doing here today.” Cahill then said, “I don’t think there’s any place in the state of Minnesota that has not been subjected to extreme amounts of publicity on this case.” The defense was requesting the changes amid publicity from the city of Minneapolis’ $27 million settlement with George Floyd’s family. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who’s leading the prosecution in the Chauvin case, says the court correctly ruled against a continuance and change of venue. Jury selection continues today, with two alternate slots left to fill. So far, 12 jurors have been seated. The makeup of the jury so far is as follows:
No. 2: white male; 20s
No. 9: multi/mixed-race woman; 20s
No. 19: white male; 30s
No. 27: black male; 30s
No. 44: white woman; 50s
No. 52; black male; 30s
No. 55; white woman; 50s
No. 79; black male; 40s
No. 85; multi-race woman; 40s
No. 89; white woman; 50s
No. 91; black woman; 60s
No. 92; white woman; 40s