Twin Cities defense attorney Earl Gray is representing Thomas Lane, who is one of three former Minneapolis Police Officers charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the killing of George Floyd.
He told WCCO’s Roshini Rajkumar on “Real Talk” with Roshini on Sunday that they are watching the trial closely and are doing what they can to help Eric Nelson, the attorney representing Derek Chauvin, who is charged with 2nd degree murder and manslaughter, and 3rd degree murder in the death of George Floyd last May.
“Whether we agree with what Chauvin did or not, as far as criminal law goes, if Chauvin is acquitted, we should be able to walk,” Gray said.
On Friday, Judge Peter Cahill ruled that that the trial would not be delayed or moved, after Nelson said the jury could be tainted because the $27 million settlement was announced right in the middle of jury selection. The judge said there is no place in Minnesota that has been immune from pretrial publicity.
“You don’t know what will happen to these jurors between now and opening statements,” Nelson said. He also disputed claims by Minneapolis City leaders that they had to announce the deal or it might go away.
“I don’t believe for a second that Judge Cahill or the Chief Judge said yeah go ahead.”
Jury selection resumes Monday.
