who is the prosecuting attorney in chauvin trial

by Jannie Kovacek 9 min read

While Derek Chauvin 's attorney, Eric Nelson, works alone, the prosecution is being handled by two assistant attorneys general, Matthew Frank and Erin Eldridge, and two outside lawyers, Jerry Blackwell and Steve Schleicher. Ten more are working behind the scenes, many for free.Apr 5, 2021

Who are Derek Chauvin’s lawyers?

Dec 08, 2021 · Eldridge was one of the prosecuting attorneys in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. Reporting from the Associated Press was used in ...

Who is prosecuting Chauvin’s case?

Mar 30, 2021 · Urbanites noticed the Black prosecutor, Jerry Blackwell, chosen to prosecute the Derek Chauvin murder trial being seen around the world.

Did urbanites take notice of the black prosecutor at Derek Chauvin trial?

Apr 21, 2021 · Jerry Blackwell was a Special Assistant Attorney General and leading prosecuting attorneys in the Derek Chauvin trial, and the founding partner at Blackwell Burke P.A. in Minneapolis Minnesota. As one of the country’s most prominent African-American trial lawyers, Jerry Blackwell has extensive experience defending commercial disputes and class-action …

Who is the prosecutor in the Minnesota murder case?

1 day ago · Kueng's attorney, Thomas Plunkett, said police weren't adequately trained to intervene and that Chauvin was in charge. He also said Kueng …

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Who was the man who was wrongfully convicted of raping a woman in 1920?

CBS News. An "experienced trial lawyer with nationwide experience," according to the firm's website, Blackwell secured a posthumous pardon for Max Mason, a man who was wrongfully convicted of raping a woman in 1920. Irene Tusken, a white woman, alleged that Mason, ...

Who is the founder of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers?

Along with his legal work, Blackwell is the founder of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers and served as an at-large member of the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Appointments until 2019. His hobbies include beekeeping and mediation, according to the firm's website.

What happened to the three men in the Duluth massacre?

The three men were beaten and lynched. "They met little resistance from the police, who had been ordered not to use their guns," the Minnesota Historical Society wrote on its webpage. The Minnesota National Guard was called to Duluth and the three surviving men were transferred to a St. Louis County jail.

What did the Texas Democrats pledge to do?

Texas Democrats pledge to stop GOP's voter suppression law The fight over voting rights between Republicans and Democrats in Texas continues with the Democrats pledging to do whatever is necessary to stop the GOP from passing new measures to block access to the ballot box.

Who represents 3M?

Blackwell has successfully represented the 3M Company in a number of cases, including one brought by former Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson, Ellison's predecessor. The Blackwell Burke P.A. website touts Blackwell' s ability to "communicate complicated legal, scientific and business issues to jurors.".

Who were the three people arrested in the Mason case?

Following the arrest of Mason and five others, an angry mob broke into the police station, pulled the men from their cells, and held a "mock trial" in which they found Isaac McGhie, Elmer Jackson and Elias Clayton guilty. The three men were beaten and lynched.

Is Muhyiddin safe?

Malaysia's Muhyiddin will be 'quite safe' until the next general election in 2023, says professor. CNBC. Why this mechanic trades barbecue ribs for a wreck. CNN. A look at what could happen after U.S. troops leave Afghanistan. CBS News. Rep. Thompson: As chair I won’t allow Jan. 6 committee to become political pawn.

What did Chauvin do in 2021?

Blackwell explained to jurors on Monday, March 29, 2021, that Chauvin “betrayed his badge” when he “didn’t let up, he didn’t get up” even after Floyd uttered that he couldn’t breathe 27 times before going silent and motionless. Chauvin is subsequently facing charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Who was the black man who was convicted of rape?

Just last year, Blackwell returned to the national spotlight by securing the posthumous pardon for a Black man named Max Mason, who was falsely convicted and hung in Duluth, Minnesota, for the alleged rape of a White woman in 1920.

How many states does Blackwell practice in?

Furthermore, Blackwell is allowed to practice law in five states, as well as before the Supreme Court and Fourth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Who is Keith Ellison?

Blackwell, the founder, CEO and chairman of the law firm Blackwell Burke P.A., was appointed to be a part of the formidable prosecution team, which also includes Keith Ellison, the first Black attorney general in Minnesota’s history.

Did Blackwell make the decision to be a part of the state's case against Chauvin?

Actually, Blackwell made the decision to be a part of the state’s case against Chauvin on a pro bono basis , meaning he won’t be compensated for his time and effort, Newsweek reports. This shouldn’t surprise his colleagues and members of his inner circle.

Who is Steven Schleicher?

Steven Schleicher is an experienced appellate attorney and trial lawyer before being called to public service in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Schleicher delivered the much of state’s evidence and arguments ultimately paying off with three guilty verdicts for the murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day in 2020.

Who is Zuri Balmakund?

Zuri Balmakund Santiago is originally from Spanish Harlem, but since July 2019 Balkmakund has advised and litigated on behalf of the Department of Human Services in Minnesota and as an assistant attorney general at the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.

Who is Erin Eldridge?

Erin Eldridge is one of the Minnesota Assistant Attorneys General and one of the principal prosecutors in the Derek Chauvin trial ending on April 20, 2021. Eldridge was one of the main Derek Chauvin Prosecutors.

Who is Lola Velazquez Aguilu?

Velazquez-Aguilu is among the finalists for U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota. Lola Velazquez-Aguilu would be the first Latina to serve as the US Attorney for the District of Minnesota if she is appointed to this high profile position.

Who is Keith Ellison?

Keith Ellison is Minnesota’s Attorney General and a member of the DFL and appointed special prosecutor by Tim Walz that helped convict Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd on 4/20/2021.

When did Max Mason get pardoned?

As a founder of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, Blackwell was able to vindicate Max Mason with the posthumous pardon in June of 2020. Blackwell effectively cleared Max Mason’s name after he was wrongly convicted of rape in 1920 in connection with the Duluth lynchings.

Who is Matthew Frank?

Matthew Frank was one of Derek Chauvin’s Prosecutors that helped convict him for murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and Minnesota Assistant Attorney General. Matthew Frank was one of the main Derek Chauvin Prosecutors on the dream team prosecution team.

Who is the judge in the Hennepin County case?

The judge in the case is Peter Cahill, who was appointed to the bench in 2007 and before that had run the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for 10 years and also had his own private law practice.

Who is the head of the Minnesota criminal division?

The prosecution was led by the head of Minnesota’s criminal division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank. Outside lawyers include Steven Schleicher, a former federal prosecutor who handled jury selection for the prosecution. He delivered the prosecution’s closing argument on Monday 19 April.

Who was Max Mason pardoned for?

Last June he won a posthumous pardon for Max Mason, a Black circus worker wrongly convicted of rape in 1920. The prosecution team also includes former acting US Solicitor General Neal Katyal, who is now a partner at Hogan Lovells in Washington DC.

Who was the first African American attorney general?

Mr Ellison, a former congressman, is the first African American and first Muslim to hold the office of attorney general in the state. During the pre-trial hearings Mr Ellison was represented by his team of lawyers, some of whom are working the case on a pro bono basis, meaning they will not be paid.

Who is Jerry Blackwell?

Jerry Blackwell, one of the founders of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, and the CEO of Blackwell Burke, is assisting the prosecution team without charge. Mr Blackwell handled the prosecution’s opening arguments in the case late last month.

Who is the lone defense attorney in Minnesota?

Nelson is the lone defense attorney, aided in court by a legal assistant who is also an attorney but who hasn’t taken part in the courtroom arguments. The defense is funded through the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association’s legal defense fund.

Who is Sue McGraugh?

St. Louis University School of Law professor Sue McGraugh said she sought to make a personal connection with jurors when she was a prosecutor. She said she’s rarely seen a case with so many prosecutors, and that it carries some risk. “It’s unusual because, as someone who has tried a lot of cases, you do want the jury to form some sort ...

How old was Jacob Wetterling when he was killed?

He spent 13 years in the U.S. attorney’s office and was a prosecutor in the case of Danny Heinrich, who confessed in 2016 that he killed 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in 1989, and led authorities to his body.

Who is John Blackwell?

Blackwell is a prominent Black civil rights attorney and one of the founders of the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers. Last year, he won a posthumous pardon for a Black man wrongly convicted of rape before the infamous Duluth lynchings of 1920.

Is Nelson in court alone?

While Nelson is alone in court, he can consult with the other 11 attorneys, the association said. Still, the in-court optics are hard to ignore. Judge Peter Cahill has said Nelson “does not have the same level of support” as the prosecution. By JIM SALTER Associated Press.

Did Katyal get Chauvin's murder charge reinstated?

Katyal led a successful effort to get a third-degree murder charge reinstated against Chauvin after the judge initially ruled it didn’t fit the circumstances. Stiles said in an email that about half of the outside attorneys are working full-time on the case.

Who is Neal Katyal?

Perhaps the best-known player is Neal Katyal, former U.S. acting solicitor general who has argued dozens of cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Katyal led a successful effort to get a third-degree murder charge reinstated against Chauvin after the judge initially ruled it didn’t fit the circumstances.

How old was Jacob Wetterling when he was killed?

He spent 13 years in the U.S. attorney’s office and was a prosecutor in the case of Danny Heinrich, who confessed in 2016 that he killed 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in 1989, and led authorities to his body.

Who is the judge in Chauvin case?

Peter Cahill is the trial judge of Chauvin’s case. He also will preside over the trial of three other former Minneapolis officers charged in Floyd’s death. Their trial is scheduled to begin in August. Cahill was appointed as a Hennepin County District Court judge in 2007, and his current term expires in 2027.

Who is the attorney general of Minnesota?

Ellison became the attorney general in 2019, and previously represented the state’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to that, Ellison served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Who is the executive director of MPPOA?

Brian Peters, executive director of the MPPOA, said the 12 attorneys are on call to take cases on a rotating basis. Chauvin’s case was originally assigned to Tom Kelly, but Kelly soon retired. “Eric just happened to be that next person in line,” Peters said.

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