MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Crime scene investigators took the stand Wednesday within the Derek Chauvin trial to speak concerning the proof they’ve analyzed.
On the middle of testimony: Capsules. Forensic scientist McKenzie Anderson described what they discovered inside George Floyd’s SUV and the police cruiser again in Might of 2020. She identified why she initially missed seeing a white capsule within the again seat, which is seen in photographs from the primary processing.
READ MORE: Derek Chauvin Trial, Day 8: As It Occurred
“On the time I didn’t give it any forensic significance,” Anderson stated. “The main focus of it was processing the blood within the again seat.”
The capsule, and different capsule fragments, have been recovered in January solely after the protection requested for re-examination of the squad automotive. DNA testing discovered Floyd’s saliva on the biggest capsule. Capsules have been additionally discovered within the Mercedes SUV Floyd was driving earlier than his lethal encounter with officers.
McKenzie Anderson (credit score: CBS)
Different forensic scientists informed the courtroom the tablets contained methamphetamine, with lower than 1% fentanyl.
Earlier within the day, we heard extra from a use-of-force professional adopted by the lead investigator for the BCA. The protection pushed again laborious on key prosecution witnesses, even getting one legislation enforcement officer to initially say he believed that Floyd may be heard on one of many physique cameras saying he consumed too many medication.
Los Angeles Police Division Sgt. Jody Stiger, the prosecution’s paid professional on police pressure, testified that Chauvin used lethal pressure on Floyd
“On the time of the restraint interval, Mr. Floyd was not resisting. He was within the susceptible place, he was handcuffed, he was not making an attempt to evade, he was not making an attempt to withstand, and the stress … that was being brought on by the physique weight would trigger positional asphyxia, which might trigger demise,” Stiger stated.
As Chauvin took detailed notes, protection lawyer Eric Nelson pushed again.
“You’d agree that from the time Officer Chauvin will get on scene, and to the time Mr. Floyd is susceptible on the bottom, Mr. Floyd was actively resisting efforts to enter the again seat of the squad automotive,” Nelson stated.
“Sure sir,” Stiger stated.
Sgt. Jody Stiger (credit score: CBS)
Nelson steered that Floyd could have initially lied about his incapacity to breathe.
“When Mr. Floyd was initially saying that he couldn’t breathe, he was actively resisting arrest,” Nelson stated.
READ MORE: May Masks Hamper Ex-Officer’s Picture With Jurors?
“Initially when he was within the again seat of the automobile, sure,” Stiger stated.
Nelson cited a few of the profanity-laced crowd feedback witnesses made to the officers.
“When somebody begins threatening you … it’s a risk that an officer can view that as a possible lethal assault is about to occur. That’s what they’re educated?” Nelson stated.
“Sure, that’s what they’re educated,” Stiger stated.
The protection performed a brief clip for Stiger, who stated he couldn’t make out what Floyd was saying in it. Nelson performed the identical video for the following witness, BCA Agent James Reyerson, and obtained a distinct reply.
Agent James Ryerson (credit score: CBS)
“Did you hear that?” Nelson stated.
“Sure I did,” Reyerson stated.
“Did it seem that Mr. Floyd stated, ‘I ate too many medication’?” Nelson stated.
“Sure it did,” Reyerson stated.
However the prosecution then performed an extended clip, and Agent Reyerson modified his testimony, saying Floyd really stated simply the other.
“I imagine Mr. Floyd was saying, ‘I ain’t do no medication,’” Reyerson stated.
MORE NEWS: Professional Says Chauvin By no means Took Knee Off George Floyd’s Neck
And that may be a huge level the protection goes to proceed to argue: the medical proof and toxicology reviews we’re going to be listening to in coming days exhibits Mr. Floyd died from preexisting medical circumstances and a drug overdose, and never due to Chauvin’s knee, because the prosecution argues.
