The killing of a Black man named Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on Sunday, and the protests that followed, were an early topic Monday morning in the Derek Chauvin murder and manslaughter trial happening just 10 miles away.
Defense attorney Eric Nelson made a request of Judge Peter Cahill regarding those events.
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"At this time I am requesting sequestration of the jury in [view] of the incidents of last night. As the court is, I'm sure, aware, an officer-involved shooting took place in the city of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. As a result of that there was some fairly extensive civil unrest that occurred. I would note for the court that we have at least one juror who is a resident of that particular city."
Nelson argued that the news of the unrest may sway a juror to not vote one way or the other for fear of repercussions. The judge ruled against the motion, saying that it is a different case and has nothing to do with a trial.
Judge Cahill did offer an indication as to when they believe that things will wrap up. Cahill says that the jury will be sequestered starting next Monday when they anticipate closing arguments.
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