Derek Chauvin, the former policeman accused of killing African American George Floyd by pressing his knee on his neck for a long time, will have to answer not only for involuntary second degree murder and manslaughter but also for third degree murder: a charge that requires to demonstrate
reckless indifference to human life
and which could facilitate condemnation.
This was decided by the judge of the
trial in progress in Minneapolis,
Peter Cahill, who in the past had rejected the accusation.
Then an appeals court asked that he reassess his decision.
In the trial that opened two days ago, Derek Chauvin is accused of killing George Floyd nine months ago by holding his knee on his neck for eight minutes despite the 49-year-old saying "I can't breathe." Three other former officers who participated in the arrest will be tried on less serious charges in a separate proceeding. The affair triggered one of the largest
waves of protest in the country against racism and police brutality
.