A Hennepin County judge on Monday set bail for Derek Chauvin at $1.25 million without conditions, $1 million with conditions in his first court appearance since being arrested.
The former Minneapolis police officer is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.
Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder, but the charges were upgraded Following further investigation.
Three other ex-officers, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao have been charged with aiding and abetting in Floyd’s death and are being held on $1 million unconditional bail.
Attorneys for Kueng and Lane told a judge during their clients’ first appearances last week that they were newbies and looked up to Chauvin, the most senior officer, for guidance at the scene.
Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, argued last week that his client asked twice if they should roll Floyd onto his side but Chauvin declined.
“What was [Lane] supposed to do, go up to Mr. Chauvin and grab him and throw him off?” said Gray
Derek Chauvin is facing up to 40 years in jail if found guilty.
Chauvin, who is being held in the state prison at Oak Park Heights, appeared via closed circuit TV in an orange jumpsuit and a mask. He had handcuffs on during the hearing.
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Eric Nelson, his attorney, did not argue with the state asking for bail at that level, but asked for the right to argue it at a future hearing.
Chauvin did not enter a plea. His next court appearance was set for June 29.