Chauvin's actions were 'particularly cruel and an abuse of his authority': Judge

Derek Chauvin acted in a manner that was "particularly cruel and an abuse of his authority" in the killing of George Floyd, according to a judge.

Derek Chauvin acted in a manner that was "particularly cruel and an abuse of his authority" in the killing of George Floyd, according to the judge who sentenced the former Minneapolis police officer. Chauvin faced a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced to 270 months -- or 22 1/2 years -- Friday by Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill. He was granted credit for 199 days already served, according to the sentencing order. In handing down the sentence, Cahill told the court he would keep his comments brief on why he chose 22 1/2 years and explain them further in a 22-page memorandum opinion. In the memorandum, Cahill said that two out of four aggravating factors that would support a sentence above the range recommended by state guidelines were appropriate.