A Minnesota judge dismissed a murder charge against Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who was charged in the death of George Floyd in May.
Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill’s dismissed a third-degree murder against Chauvin, who now faces two counts of second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Judge Cahill also denied defense requests to dismiss the aiding and abetting counts against three other former Minneapolis officers, Thomas Lane, J. Jueng and Tou Thao.
Chauvin was released from jail on Oct. 7 after posting a $1 million non-cash bond.
Chauvin, who was arrested on May 31, was charged in the death of Floyd, an unarmed Black man who is seen pleading for his life in a viral video.
Chauvin’s defense attorney argued that his client did not intend to assault or kill Floyd during an encounter on May 25.
All four former cops are awaiting trial set for March 8, 2021.
