Hearing Monday for Three Issues Connected to State Trial for Former Minneapolis Police Officers

(KNSI) — A hearing is set for Monday for the other three officers present when George Floyd was killed.

Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill will rule today on allowing cameras in the courtroom when J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao go to trial later this year. The three are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in connection to Floyd’s death. He is also expected to issue decisions on jury sequestration and some other issues surrounding the trial.

Defense attorneys for the three have asked Judge Cahill to deny the use of cameras, but he has struck down those motions so far. Prosecutors say they are in support of video coverage for the trial. The trial of fellow officer Derek Chauvin was broadcast in its entirety, and the jury was partially sequestered. Documents filed last week asking that the trial for the other three officers be conducted like Chauvin’s trial because it worked so well.

The Chauvin trial was the first in the state to be broadcast. Judge Cahill cited extreme public interest and COVID-19 concerns for broadcasting that trial.

Kueng, Lane, and Thao were convicted on federal charges earlier this year of depriving Floyd of his civil rights while acting under government authority. Kueng and Thao were also convicted of failing to intervene when Chauvin used excessive force against Floyd.

Jury selection for the state trial begins June 13th.

___