<mediadc-video-embed data-state="{"cms.site.owner":{"_ref":"00000161-3486-d333-a9e9-76c6fbf30000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b93390000"},"cms.content.publishDate":1654529974793,"cms.content.publishUser":{"_ref":"00000179-379a-dbb2-a7fd-bfda8bfc0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"cms.content.updateDate":1654529974793,"cms.content.updateUser":{"_ref":"00000179-379a-dbb2-a7fd-bfda8bfc0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"rawHtml":"
var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_54529968", "obj": {"id":"27789","width":"16","height":"9","video":"1025488"} }); ","_id":"00000181-39ab-d421-ada5-7dffd9e60000","_type":"2f5a8339-a89a-3738-9cd2-3ddf0c8da574"}”>Video EmbedA county judge has delayed the trial of two former Minneapolis police officers charged in connection to the death of George Floyd, pushing proceedings to January in hopes of securing a fairer trial.
Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng were scheduled to appear in court next week to face state charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in relation to the death of Floyd, a black man who was killed at the hands of police in May 2020. However, the judge ruled Monday that the trial should be pushed back seven months so negative publicity surrounding the case could subside to ensure a fair outcome.
EX-MINNEAPOLIS OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER IN GEORGE FLOYD’S DEATH
Attorneys for the officers also requested a change in location, but Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill denied that motion. However, the judge agreed with arguments that media coverage of the case could create “a reasonable likelihood of an unfair trial.”
Thao and Kueng were convicted in federal court in February for violating Floyd’s civil rights during the arrest that resulted in his death. The two were convicted alongside former officer Thomas Lane, who pleaded guilty to the charges being presented — entering into a plea deal allowing him to avoid facing a trial.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The pair had rejected a similar plea deal, which Cahill cited as evidence that could unfairly sway a jury toward an unfair deliberation. Their not guilty pleas, combined with their federal convictions, could make it difficult for Thao and Kueng to convince a jury of their innocence, Cahill argued.
The two are set to appear in court on Jan. 5 for the beginning of their trial.
