Prosecutors Oppose Media Push to Release Chauvin Juror Names
A coalition of media outlets — including the Associated Press — wants judge Peter Cahill to release the names of the jurors who convicted Derek Chauvin of murder in the death of George Floyd. Prosecutors are asking Cahill to reject the request.
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Minnesota prosecutors asked a judge to reject a request by a coalition of media outlets — including the Associated Press — to release the names of the jurors who convicted Derek Chauvin of murder in the death of George Floyd, the Star Tribune reports. Lead prosecutor Matthew Frank argued the courts should preserve juror anonymity from the “substantial probability of harassment,” adding that Judge Peter Cahill had made detailed findings that jurors in the case could face intimidation if their names became public. Cahill had previously ordered that jurors’ identities be kept secret for at least 180 days after the verdict.
Earlier this month, the media coalition asked Cahill to release the names immediately, arguing that there was “no known threat” to juror safety. Arguing that the public has a right to information about the jury, attorney Leita Walker said anonymous juries are only allowed in exceptional circumstances. Since the high-profile trial, two Chauvin jurors and one alternate have identified themselves, while the remaining 10 jurors and one alternate have not.
