Ex-US officer charged with killing George Floyd says he’ll not testify in trial

Derek Chauvin, former Minneapolis police officer charged with the killing of George Floyd, says he will not testify in his trial.

Floyd, an African American, died after Chauvin pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck when he was arrested for allegedly spending a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.

Chauvin’s trial for Floyd’s death commenced in March, 10 months after the incident. He is charged with unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Speaking in court on Thursday after Eric Nelson, his lawyer rested his case, Chauvin said he chose to invoke his fifth amendment right to stay silent for fear of self-incrimination.

“I will invoke my Fifth Amendment privilege today,” Chauvin told the court.

Asked by the judge whether his decision to not testify was unduly influenced, Chauvin said: “No promises or threats, your honour.”

Meanwhile, David Fowler, a forensic pathologist, told the court on Wednesday that Floyd’s death was the result of a sudden heart rhythm disturbance owing to his heart disease.

Fowler’s testimony contradicts prosecution experts who said Floyd died due to lack of oxygen from the way he was pinned down by Chauvin.

Fowler said the fentanyl and methamphetamine in Floyd’s system, and possibly carbon monoxide poisoning from a vehicle exhaust, were contributing factors that led to Floyd’s death.

An autopsy had confirmed that the cause of Floyd’s death was linked to pressure on his neck.