There’s news about the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. This Wednesday, former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lanepleaded guilty Wednesday to a state charge of second-degree involuntary manslaughter.
How did the murder of George Floyd happen?
Lane, 39, and two other former officers, J. Alexander Kueng, 28, and Tou Thao, 34, watched as Floyd struggled to breathe and repeatedly indicated his distress, while Derek Chauvin, the senior officer on the scene, pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes, killing him.
Lane, Kueng and Thao had previously been convicted on federal charges of willfully violating Floyd’s constitutional rights by showing deliberate indifference to his medical needs and failing to render aid.
Floyd was arrested by the four officers for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill at a Minneapolis corner market.
The statement on Lane’s guilty plea
Through a statement issued by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Lane’s guilty plea was released.
“I am pleased Thomas Lane has accepted responsibility for his role in Floyd’s death, his acknowledgment he did something wrong is an important step toward healing the wounds of the Floyd family, our community, and the nation,” the statement reads.
“While accountability is not justice, this is a significant moment in this case and a necessary resolution on our continued journey to justice… (my) thoughts are once again with the victims, George Floyd and his family,” adding, “Nothing will bring Floyd back – he should still be with us today,” Ellison said.
Because the State is preparing for the June 13 trial of defendants J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao on charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, Attorney General Ellison will have no further comment at this time,” the statement concludes.
Although the state is expected to recommend a three-year sentence for Lane, a term he could serve while in federal prison, it is unknown when he will be sentenced.
