Thomas Lane, a former Minneapolis police officer, has pleaded guilty to a state charge of second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
Floyd’s civil rights were violated by three former Minneapolis police officers, including Lane on the 25th of May, 2020.
Thomas Lane’s former case of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder will be dropped as part of the Wednesday plea deal.
Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao had already been found guilty of violating Floyd’s civil rights on federal charges.
Derek Chauvin, their former colleague, was found guilty of murder and pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation last year.
In the state case, Chauvin was sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison.
Former officers, Kueng and Thao’s state trial is set to start on June 13.
In reaction to Thomas Lane’s plea, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released the following statement: “Today my thoughts are once again with the victims, George Floyd and his family. Nothing will bring Floyd back. He should still be with us today.
“I am pleased Thomas Lane has accepted responsibility for his role in Floyd’s death. His acknowledgement he did something wrong is an important step toward healing the wounds of the Floyd family, our community, and the nation. While accountability is not justice, this is a significant moment in this case and a necessary resolution on our continued journey to justice.”
