Media, PA Criminal Defense Attorney Enrique Latoison Analyzes Police Testimony in the Derek Chauvin Murder Trial – NBC10

Video Transcript
Media, PA Criminal Defense Attorney Enrique Latoison Analyzes Police Testimony in the Derek Chauvin Murder Trial – NBC10

Anchor:
The Derek Chauvin murder trial is now in its second week. Today, the Minneapolis police chief testified against his former officer. During hours of testimony, the chief said that Chauvin violated multiple policies in his restraint of George Floyd. After reviewing all the video, the chief believes Chauvin’s actions violated department policies on de-escalation, use of force, and rendering medical aid to people in custody.

Police Chief:
“When we talk about the framework of our sanctity of life and the principles and values we hold, those actions go contrary to what we’re taught.”

The police chief fired Chauvin and three other officers involved in Floyd’s arrest within hours of Floyd’s death.

Joining us now is NBC legal analyst, Enrique Latoison. Enrique, we heard the police chief testify about the department’s policies. The prosecution has already had other officers testify about training. Why do you think the prosecution is still presenting this kind of evidence?

Enrique Latoison:
Well, this is the actual Chief of Police, so the policies start from the top and flow down from there. Of course, there have been other officers testifying about training. The prosecution is putting their case together now, but the defense may dispute the training and make an argument against it.

What the prosecution did was put on testimony showing the policies—policies that require officers to treat people with dignity and respect, and to de-escalate situations. Even if the restraint Chauvin used was initially permissible, once Floyd was unconscious and unresponsive, it became a violation of the policies and training.

Anchor:
Another witness we heard from today, Enrique, was the emergency room doctor. He testified that George Floyd most likely died from a lack of oxygen. Did that testimony help or hurt the defense?

Enrique Latoison:
This case is going to come down to how Mr. Floyd died, and that’s a key part of the defense. The doctor testified that Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, which is damaging to the defense. However, the defense also got the doctor to acknowledge that drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl can also contribute to a lack of oxygen and could be a cause of death. So, I think it was a bit of a push—both the prosecution and defense got something out of it. We know there will be experts later on who will hammer that point home.

Anchor:
The last witness of the day was the inspector in charge of training in the police department. How important was this testimony, based on what you heard today?

Enrique Latoison:
So far, we’ve heard from a lieutenant, a sergeant, the chief, and now an inspector in charge of training. It’s very unusual to have such high-ranking officers testify in a trial against one of their own, but this inspector’s testimony was crucial. He made it clear that this kind of training—putting a knee on someone’s neck—is not taught.

They also discussed the dangers of leaving someone in a prone position, lying on their stomach, and that officers are trained to get them out of that position as soon as possible. Finally, they showed the famous picture of Chauvin with his knee on Floyd’s neck, his hands in his pockets. When asked about this, the inspector said, “This is some sort of improvisation, and it is not the training we provide.”

Anchor:
All right, NBC legal analyst Enrique Latoison, thank you again for your insight. We appreciate it.

Enrique Latoison:
Thank you.

Transferring ownership of your property? Stop by one of our offices today where we can help you get started on your deed!