Key players in the Derek Chauvin trial

Updated: March 9, 12 p.m. | Posted: 4 a.m. March 8

George Floyd took his last breath on May 25, 2020, in south Minneapolis as he was pinned under the knee of officer Derek Chauvin for about nine minutes.

Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter; jury selection in his trial began March 9.

Former officers Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng are charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter. They are scheduled to go on trial together in August.

Here’s a guide to some of the key figures who will be surfacing at the trial. Note: Hover over or tap their pictures to read more about them. You may need to refresh to load the graphics below.

George Floyd and the officers on trial

Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter, and set to go on trial alone in March. Lane, Thao and Kueng are charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter and scheduled to go on trial together at the end of August.

The judge and attorneys

The prosecution of the four former officers is being led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office.

The main attorneys representing the defendants were provided through a legal defense fund of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, a professional organization that advocates for the interests of law enforcement officers throughout the state.

Questions about the Chauvin trial? Ask us

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