Derek Chauvin chooses not to testify in his own defense
Derek Chauvin's defense attorney rested his case Thursday morning after Chauvin told the judge he has decided not to take the stand in his own defense. Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer and is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. Bystander video and police body camera footage showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Chauvin told Judge Peter Cahill Thursday morning that he has decided to invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to take the stand. "I have repeatedly advised you that this is your decision and your decision alone," defense attorney Eric Nelson said to Chauvin. Defense attorney Eric Nelson rested his case before the jury as soon as they entered the courtroom Thursday. The state then called pulmonologist Dr. Martin Tobin back to the stand as a rebuttal witness in response to Wednesday's testimony from Dr. David Fowler. Fowler was on the stand all day Wednesday, testifying as a medical expert called by the defense. Fowler said his opinion is that George Floyd died of a "sudden cardiac arrhythmia" during restraint by Chauvin and other officers. Fowler added that he believes Floyd's underlying heart condition, drugs in his system, carbon monoxide exposure and his paraganglioma tumor were contributing factors. On cross-examination, Fowler acknowledged that immediate medical aid could have helped to save Floyd's life. The judge has told the jury that if testimony ends Thursday, the court will take Friday off. Closing arguments are expected Monday, and then the jury will be sequestered for deliberation. Thursday, April 15 trial updates: https://www.weareiowa.com/article/new... Subscribe to Local 5 on YouTube: / weareiowalocal5news Add Local 5 on Roku: https://channelstore.roku.com/details... Download the We Are Iowa app: https://weareiowa.com/app Get Local 5’s "5 Things to Know" email newsletter in your inbox: https://weareiowa.com/email 'Like' Local 5 on Facebook: / weareiowa Follow Local 5 on Twitter: / weareiowa5news Follow Local 5 on Instagram: / weareiowa
