During a motions hearing Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in the Derek Chauvin trial, witness Morries Hall invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. He was in Cup Foods with George Floyd and was also in the vehicle with him when officers first approached.
Hall’s attorney, Adrienne Cousins, said her client cannot answer any questions submitted by the attorneys in the Chauvin trial. She told the court Hall cannot put himself in the SUV with Floyd that day or he opens himself up to a drug-related third-degree murder charge if Chauvin is eventually acquitted.
Trial Judge Peter Cahill accepted Hall’s position. He will not testify in front of the jury in the Derek Chauvin trial.
Defense attorney Eric Nelson filed a motion for acquittal after the state rested its case. Judge Cahill denied that motion.
Here are the witnesses who have testified so far on Wednesday:
- Dr. David Fowler, a retired forensic pathologist. He is testifying as a medical expert for the defense.
Judge Cahill told jurors the defense could wrap up their case on Thursday, in which case he would give them Friday off before closing arguments on Monday. After that, the jury will be sequestered until they reach a verdict.
Chauvin is charged with third-degree murder, second-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death last May.
