Federal prosecutors in Minnesota are urging a judge to reconsider allowing Derek Chauvin to re-examine George Floyd's heart. This follows Chauvin's conviction for violating Floyd's civil rights.
Judge Paul Magnuson recently granted Chauvin's legal team access to Floyd's heart tissue, slides, photos, and fluid samples. His defense is exploring the theory that Floyd died from a heart condition, not Chauvin's actions.
In a motion filed Tuesday, prosecutors argued Chauvin's request lacks legal basis. They cited an email from an unvetted doctor suggesting a weaker version of a defense already dismissed during Chauvin's state trial.
Prosecutors also pushed back on claims of ineffective counsel. They stated Chauvin’s original team made a strategic decision not to investigate Floyd's heart, a move courts often consider unchallengeable.
Magnuson, however, ruled the evidence could help Chauvin's defense. The decision hinges on information from Dr. William Schaetzel, who had contacted Chauvin’s former lawyer, suggesting Floyd died of a specific heart attack.
Chauvin’s new legal team claims this theory was never shared with him. They argue the oversight left crucial evidence unexamined.
Experts believe Chauvin has the right to access the materials, regardless of the outcome. "Every defendant deserves the chance to exhaust their appeals," said criminal defense attorney David Gelman.
Chauvin is also serving a state murder conviction after kneeling on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes. The act, captured on video, sparked national protests and riots.
Following his conviction, Chauvin was stabbed in federal prison, allegedly due to his association with the high-profile case. His appeal of state murder charges was denied by the Supreme Court last year.