Former Minneapolis officer J. Alexander Kueng pleads guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the murder of George Floyd

On Monday, the former Minneapolis officer J. Alexandre Kueng pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in relation to the murder of George Floyd.

According to Associated press, his guilty plea, which came just as jury selection for his trial was due to begin, is part of a plea deal that seeks at least 3 ½ years in prison, with prosecutors agreeing to drop one count of complicity charges. second degree murder. Kueng has now become the second officer to plead guilty to the state charge.

Earlier this year, Thomas Lane pleaded guilty, while Tou Thao rejected a plea deal.

On Monday, Thao waived his right to a jury trial, which leaves it up to the judge to deliver a verdict after the lawyers hand in their written arguments, the AP reports. He had previously told a judge that “it would be a lie” if he agreed to a deal. Arguments must be submitted to Judge Peter Cahill by November 17.

Judge Cahill will then decide whether Thao is guilty or innocent within 90 days. He could face up to four years in prison. However, there is an agreement to drop the assisting murder charge if Thao is found guilty on the less serious charge.

As previously reported, Kueng and Thao were convicted in July of violating the civil rights of George Floyd. Kueng was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in the murder, and Thao was sentenced to 3½ years. They were found guilty of violating George Floyd’s civil rights in February along with Derek Chauvin and Thomas Lane, who had previous convictions for the violation.

At the time of George Floyd’s murder, Kueng knelt on his back and Lane held up his legs. Thao was the officer stopping bystanders from arresting officers as they put restraints on George Floyd.

TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94