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Do you understand how Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all three charges of: unintentional second-degree murder; third-degree murder; and second-degree manslaughter?

Asked by LuckyGuy (43697points) April 21st, 2021

I’m not asking about guilt or innocence. I just don’t understand the difference between the charges and how he can be guilty of all three when only one person was involved.

Unintentional Second-degree murder: According to the Minnesota statute, whoever causes the death of a human being, without intent to effect the death of any person, while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense….

Third-degree murder: According to the Minnesota statute, whoever causes the death of a person “by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life, is guilty of murder in the third degree.”

Second-degree manslaughter: According to the Minnesota statute, when someone “creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another” is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree.

It seems like all 3 are the same basic idea. Why wasn’t he just found guilty on the most serious charge? I can understand the three charges if he killed 3 people under different circumstances.

I’m an engineer not a lawyer. I’m obviously missing some nuance here.

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