My prediction.
By upgrading the charges to Second Degree Murder AG Keith Ellison is setting up the case against the officers to result in a Not Guilty verdict.
Why do you ask?
In Minnesota the difference between Second Degree Murder and Third Degree Murder is intent:
- First Degree Murder is a premeditated act. Planned in advance: A person doesn't like someone else and decides to kill them.
- Second Degree Murder is a crime of passion: A man walks in his wife and some guy having an affair and kills them.
- Third Degree Murder (manslaughter) is an accidental death: A person is texting while driving and accidentally kills someone else.
The difference is INTENT. How do you prove Officer Chauvin had the intent to kill George Floyd? It cannot be done, and this trial will now result in a Not Guilty verdict.
Antifa linked AG Keith Ellison initially refused to bring charges against the officers. Which itsself resulted in riots. It was not until the riots were already underway that he charged Officer Chauvin with Third Degree Murder.
Why would Keith Ellison want a Not Guilty verdict? - Does anyone remember what happened after the LAPD officers in the Rodney King beating were found Not Guilty?
I think you could see a cop acting in the heat of the moment as a possible crime of passion--applying too much force for the situation due to the emotion of the moment. I don't think they will have too much of a problem proving that to a jury.