Ruling could put 3rd-degree murder charge in play for ex-cop

Minnesota Supreme Court declined to hear appeal of former Minneapolis police officer who is trying to block a third-degree murder charge from being reinstated. | Photo: WDIO/MGN

STEVE KARNOWSKI and AMY FORLITI Associated Press
Updated: March 10, 2021 04:23 PM
Created: March 10, 2021 04:19 PM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to the hear appeal of a former Minneapolis police officer who is trying to block a third-degree murder charge from being reinstated in George Floyd’s death. At issue is whether the conviction of another former police officer in an unrelated case established a precedent for prosecutors to restore a third-degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin that the trial judge dismissed earlier.

The high court’s decision left open the possibility that the judge could add the charge back -- and lessened the chances that his trial would be delayed.

Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys they'll discuss next steps Thursday morning.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a statement on the ruling.

"The Supreme Court was right to decline Mr. Chauvin’s petition for review. The Court of Appeals ruled correctly; therefore, there was no need for the Supreme Court to intervene. We believe the charge of 3rd-degree murder is fair and appropriate. We look forward to putting it before the jury, along with charges of 2nd-degree unintentional murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter."