Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Los Angeles Police Sgt. Jody Stiger told the court that Derek Chauvin and the other officers on the scene the night of George Floyd’s death should have ceased applying force once Floyd was on the ground and in handcuffs. Meanwhile, the judge is considering a request by a witness to "plead the fifth." Georgia Fort reports

Show Notes

Los Angeles Police Sgt. Jody Stiger took the stand Tuesday afternoon as the State’s expert witness on use of force. Having done extensive research on use of force policies nationwide Stiger concluded that Derek Chauvin’s use of force on George Floyd was excessive. Stiger said that initially, when Floyd was actively resisting arrest, the officers were justified in using force. 


“However once he was placed in the prone position on the ground, he slowly ceased his resistance and the ex-officers should have stopped their force as well,” said Stiger.


Sgt. Stiger was still being questioned by the state when Judge Cahill abruptly ended court an hour early.


Meanwhile, outside of the courtroom, Reverend Al Sharpton held a public prayer followed by remarks from George Floyd’s family, including his brother Philonise.


“After we get this verdict, and we get this conviction, we’ll be able to breathe,” he said.


Court is scheduled to resume at 9:30 am Wednesday, however more pretrial hearings are scheduled before court. The Judge has stated he plans to make a ruling on the testimony of George Floyd’s friend Morries Hall. Hall has asked to plead the 5th in fear that his testimony could be incriminating. Hall was with Floyd when he died and is currently in jail on charges unrelated to Mr. Floyd’s death.


Georgia For reporting for the Racial Reckoning project.


What is Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice?

Right now: Covering the trial of Kim Potter accused of killing Daunte Wright, the community’s reaction, and exploring the changes needed to create a more just society.

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice is a journalism initiative from Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities, KMOJ Radio, and the Minnesota Humanities Center covering the trials of the officers accused of killing George Floyd, the community’s reaction, and exploring the changes needed to create a more just society.