Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd, was sentenced to 22 years and six months for second-degree murder, closing a chapter of a case that was brought to global attention.
The 45-year-old appeared in court on Friday, two months after a jury found him guilty of three counts in connection with Floyd's death.
The sentence is increased by 10 years from the recommended sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder. Prosecutors argued Chauvin should face a harsher sentence because of a number of aggravating factors.
Well-known U.S. civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, who represents the Floyd family and other victims of police violence, describes the sentence as "a historic sentence [that] brings the Floyd family and the nation one step closer to recovery."
Under Minnesota "good behavior" law, Chauvin can only serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison, with the rest on parole.
"Although very brief, I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family, there will be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope some things will give you some peace of mind," said the former -oficeri.
The death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, sparked justice protests over racism in the US and around the world.
