US judge reinstates murder charge in George Floyd trial

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A US judge in the state of Minnesota reinstated on Wednesday a third-degree murder charge against a former officer on trial for the death of George Floyd, according to reports.

Derek Chauvin initially faced the count of third-degree murder, but Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill dismissed it in October as unwarranted. State officials, however, appealed Cahill's decision, and an appellate court ordered the judge to re-evaluate the decision last week, leading to Wednesday's reinstatement.

Chauvin also faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty.