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Wife's public break-up with police officer after George Floyd's death

The wife of the white police officer charged over the death of black man George Floyd has filed for an annulment.

A statement issued by Kellie Chauvin’s lawyer revealed she was “devastated” over Mr Floyd’s death and had decided to annul her marriage to accused killer Derek Chauvin, CBS Minnesota reported.

“This evening, I spoke with Kellie Chauvin and her family. She is devastated by Mr Floyd’s death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy,” a statement issued by Sekula Law Officers Friday read.

“She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin.”

Former pageant winner Kellie Chauvin has filed for divorce. Source: Facebook
Former pageant winner Kellie Chauvin has filed for an annulment. Source: Facebook

The statement said while Kellie had no children with the former police officer, she “respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time”.

Chauvin, 44, was on Friday charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

He was accused of ignoring another officer who expressed concerns about Mr Floyd as he lay handcuffed on the ground, pleading he could not breathe.

Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck of Mr Floyd, who had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

The 44-year-old, who was fired along with three other officers who were at the scene, faces more than 12 years in prison if convicted of murder.

Ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder over George Floyd's death.
Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin has been charged over the death of George Floyd. Source: AP

The arrest of Chauvin came as it was revealed the incident was not the first time he was connected with the death of a black man.

He was reportedly involved in three police deaths throughout his 19-year career as an officer, and was the subject of several complaints over his conduct – none of which resulted in disciplinary action.

A lawyer for Mr Floyd's family welcomed the arrest, but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wanted the other officers arrested.

Prosecutor Mike Freeman said more charges were possible, but authorities “felt it appropriate to focus on the most dangerous perpetrator”.

On Monday, police were trying to put Mr Floyd in a squad car when he stiffened and fell to the ground, saying he was claustrophobic, a criminal complaint said.

An undated handout photo of George Floyd. Source: Christopher Harris via AP
An undated handout photo of George Floyd. Source: Christopher Harris via AP

Chauvin and Officer Tou Thoa arrived and tried several times to get the struggling Floyd into the car.

At one point, Chauvin pulled Mr Floyd out of the car's passenger side, and Floyd, who was handcuffed, went to the ground face down.

Officer J.K. Kueng held Mr Floyd's back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floyd's head and neck area, the complaint said.

When Officer Lane asked if Mr Floyd should be rolled onto his side, Chauvin said, "No, staying put is where we got him." Officer Lane said he was "worried about excited delirium or whatever".

A police officer kneels on the neck of a handcuffed man who was pleading that he could not breathe in Minneapolis.
A video of the Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck has sparked widespread outrage. Source: Darnella Frazier via AP

An autopsy said the combined effects of being restrained, potential intoxicants in Mr Floyd's system and his underlying health issues, including heart disease, likely contributed to his death. It revealed nothing to support strangulation as the cause of death.

There were no other details about intoxicants and toxicology results can take weeks. In the 911 call that drew police, the caller describes the man suspected of paying with counterfeit money as "awfully drunk and he's not in control of himself”.

After Mr Floyd apparently stopped breathing, Officer Lane again said he wanted to roll Mr Floyd onto his side. Kueng checked for a pulse and said he could not find one, according to the complaint.

In all, Chauvin had his knee on Mr Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes after Mr Floyd stopped moving and talking, the complaint said.

With Associated Press

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