Prosecutors want to include add new charge against those involved in murder of George Floyd
The three former Minneapolis cops who partook in George Floyd’s murder might face another charge, since prosecutors are seeking to indict them on one more charge.
On May 20, prosecutors went before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and they sought to file one count of aiding and abetting third-degree murder against Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao. Their argument seeks the three-judge panel to forward this case to a lower court for the addition of the new charge, and they cited Derek Chauvin’s case of reinstatement of third-degree murder charge as to why the decision must be made in their favor.
They stated that the court must “treat like cases alike.”
The request of the prosecutors was responded with push back from Deborah Ellis, who is an attorney for the three officers, and she stated that legally, it was impossible to add the new charge. She went ahead to explain to the appellate’s court that while third-degree murder is considered an unplanned act; aiding and abetting is regarded as intentional. She also stated that it is important to apply the murder charge wherein an act is committed recklessly with “lack of moral consciousness” and disregard for human beings.
In response, state attorney Neal Katyal stated that the aid of a defendant is clear in a reckless act when they assist despite understanding the crime’s recklessness.
Right now, Lane, J. Kueng and Thao face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s murder. Moreover, they were hit with civil rights charges and awaiting the ruling of the judges regarding the additional charges, and this announcement will be made within 90 days. It is in next march that they will face trial. Chauvin has been found guilty on counts of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter for the murder of Floyd, who died when the former cop placed his knee on him for nine minutes, suffocating him to death. The sentencing date of his is scheduled for June 25.
