Just ahead of Derek Chauvin's sentencing, his mother was given the opportunity to speak. In part, she pleaded with the judge to be lenient, but she also spoke directly to her son.
"Derek devoted 19 years of his life to the Minneapolis Police Department," Chauvin's mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, said on Friday. "It has been difficult for me to hear and read what the media, public and prosecution team believe Derek to be — an aggressive, heartless and uncaring person," she told Judge Peter Cahill in the Hennepin County Courthouse.
"I can tell you that is far from the truth, my son's identity has also been reduced to that of a racist. I want this court to know that none of these things are true and that my son is a good man."
Hearing from the mother of the man who killed George Floyd was somewhat uncomfortable for many. While it's hard to imagine what it must feel like to know your son is about to be put behind bars for a very long time, it's also difficult to hear his actions being defended in any way.
Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in George Floyd’s death.
Chauvin's mother was clearly emotional, especially as she spoke to her son. She talked about her proudest moment, which she said was when he earned his police badge. She remembered pinning it to his uniform and him whispering, "Don't poke me."
Chauvin's mother repeatedly pressed that he was a "good man." She told the judge, "He has a big heart and he has always put others before his own. The public will never know the loving and caring man he is, but his family does."
Her statement was tough to hear, because her pain has to be simply excruciating on so many levels. However, a lot of people couldn't help but notice that as a mother, she never mentioned the family of the person her son killed — not once. She never acknowledged George Floyd and the life that was lost — the life of a father — either.
Pawlenty made sure her son knew that she would never stop believing in his innocence, though. She says there are countless others who do, as well: "I have read numerous letters from people around the world that also believe in your innocence. No matter where you go or where you are, I will always be there to visit you, I promise you I will stay strong as we talked about and I want you to do the same for me."
Despite her pleading, Chauvin was given a lengthy sentence of 22.5 years behind bars. He will be given credit for the time he has already served, which is 199 days. Many were satisfied with the outcome, but some feel it's not enough. Chauvin's sentence is notably less than the 30 years the prosecution asked for.
In one of her most memorable comments to the judge, Chauvin's mother said, "When you sentence my son, you will also be sentencing me."
Derek Chauvin was also allowed to speak before his own sentencing. He offered his condolences to George Floyd's family. He also said that more information that he felt would be relevant to his conviction would soon come to light.
