Philonise Floyd Asks Judge to Give Derek Chauvin the Maximum Sentence

Philonise Floyd, a brother of George Floyd who became the main spokesman for the Floyd family since his death, pleaded with a judge on Friday to give Derek Chauvin the maximum sentence for killing his brother.

“I was a trucker and immediately my life changed forever,” Philonise Floyd said in court, describing the time since George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, as he wiped tears from his eyes. “I began to speak to the world for George.”

Philonise Floyd said his family had already “been given a life sentence” and that he hoped Judge Peter A. Cahill would give Mr. Chauvin the maximum sentence allowed. Mr. Chauvin could be sentenced to up to 40 years for second-degree murder, the most serious charge of which he was convicted.

“I haven’t had a real night’s sleep because of the nightmares I constantly have hearing my brother beg and plead for his life over and over again,” Philonise Floyd said.