Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd. Thao, who was convicted of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, showed no remorse or admission of wrongdoing during his sentencing. He had previously testified that he acted as a “human traffic cone” by holding back concerned bystanders while former Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes.
During the sentencing hearing, Thao claimed that he never intended to hurt anyone and spoke about his growth as a Christian during his time behind bars. However, he denied any responsibility for Floyd’s death and compared himself to biblical figures who faced suffering and false accusations.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill, who found Thao guilty, expressed disappointment in Thao’s lack of remorse. He sentenced Thao to 57 months, the top end of the range recommended under state guidelines. This was more than the 51 months sought by prosecutors and the 41 months requested by Thao’s attorney.
Thao’s sentence will run concurrently with his 3 1/2-year sentence for a separate conviction on a federal civil rights charge. Thao’s attorney stated that they will appeal in both the state and federal cases.
Assistant Attorney General Erin Eldridge emphasized Floyd’s final words during the hearing, stating that they “reverberated across the globe.” She argued that Thao facilitated Floyd’s death by allowing it to happen and preventing others from providing medical aid.
The sentencing hearing marked a winding down of the legal cases related to Floyd’s murder. While Floyd’s family members were present during earlier proceedings, they were not in the courtroom for Thao’s sentencing. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison respected the sentence imposed by Judge Cahill but expressed disappointment in Thao’s lack of remorse.
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What impact does Tou Thao’s conviction for aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter have on the broader discussions surrounding police accountability in cases of excessive use of force
Prison following the death of George Floyd. Thao was found guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tou Thao received a 4-year and 9-month prison sentence for his involvement in the death of George Floyd. Thao was convicted of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
Justice has been served. Accountability is crucial in cases like this. Let this be a small step towards a more just and equal society.