The wife of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd, has filed for divorce. Kellie Chauvin’s filing came less than 24 hours after her husband was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and frankly, I don’t think anyone can blame her.
- Kellie’s divorce filing was released via her lawyers. Local news affiliate WCCO revealed that Kellie made her decision to cut ties from Derek Chauvin publicly known via Sekula Law Offices on Friday. “This evening, I spoke with Kellie Chauvin and her family. She is devastated by Mr. Floyd’s death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy. She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin,” reads the statement.
- She has requested privacy during the divorce despite the publicity Derek Chauvin is receiving. “While Ms. Chauvin has no children from her current marriage, she respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time,” the statement continued.
- Derek Chauvin’s divorce is the least of his concerns. While he’s currently facing third-degree murder charges, George Floyd’s family wants them to be revised to first-degree murder charges, especially considering that Chauvin continued to kneel on Floyd’s neck for a total of nearly 12 minutes, including more than two minutes after he became unresponsive.
- Chauvin is allegedly on suicide watch at Ramsey County Jail in St. Paul. According to TMZ, Chauvin has cameras on him 24/7 with guards monitoring it around the clock. In addition, they’re checking on him face-to-face every 15 minutes. They’re clear that while they don’t necessarily believe Chauvin is suicidal, they’re not willing to take any chances. After all, he needs to stay alive to face justice so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
