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SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 VOL. 58

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER , convicted of murdering

What's Next For the Other 3 Police Officers at the Scene of George Floyd's Arrest?

On June 3, Hennepin County prosecutors charged Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao with aiding and abetting second- Derek Chauvin, is led away in handcuffs, after jurors convicted him of murdering George Floyd degree murder and aiding and abetting second- degree manslaughter. BY: TERRY HUGHEY As news spread of the verdicts — guilty Mr. Kueng and Mr. Lane, both newly trained on all counts — social media sites officers, arrived at the scene first and approached A masked Derek Chauvin showed no visible reposted the Police Mr. Floyd’s car. emotion as Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict Department's initial report that Floyd on each count. Cahill said sentencing would died of a medical event at the scene, an Mr. Lane drew his handgun and pointed it at Mr. be in roughly eight weeks. assertion that might never have been Floyd through an open window, putting the gun contradicted so forcefully were it not for back in his holster after Mr. Floyd put his hands A sheriff's deputy led former Minneapolis a teenage girl, Darnella Frazier, walking on the steering wheel. police officer Derek Chauvin away in by and recording Floyd's death last May handcuffs Tuesday after jurors convicted him 25 on her cellphone and posting it for the Mr. Thao and Mr. Chauvin arrived later, when of murdering George Floyd, a dramatic ending world to see. the first two officers were trying to get Mr. Floyd to a case that transfixed the world and became into the squad car. the latest flash point in a raging debate about "I just cried so hard. This last hour my police brutality against the Black community. heart was beating so fast, I was so Once Mr. Floyd was on the ground, Mr. Lane anxious, anxiety [busting] through the held his legs, and Mr. Kueng held his back. Mr. The conviction, almost a year after a roof," Frazier, who was 17 at the time, Thao stood nearby and interacted with bystander video captured Chauvin kneeling on posted on Facebook after the verdict. bystanders. Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, was "But to know GUILTY ON ALL 3 the first time in Minnesota history that a CHARGES !!! THANK YOU GOD Mr. Lane and Mr. Kueng were both in their first white police officer was convicted of killing a THANK YOU … George Floyd we did it!! week on the job as full officers. Mr. Kueng, who Black civilian on the job. Justice has been served." was 26 at the time, was the youngest and least experienced officer at the scene. It was his third Jurors deliberated for about nine hours and The jury's decision ended a fraught six- shift as a full officer. 45 minutes over two days before finding week trial that left many community Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional members fearing a possible acquittal and He was trained largely by Mr. Chauvin. Neither murder, third-degree murder, and second- law enforcement officials braced for Mr. Kueng nor Mr. Lane had prior misconduct degree manslaughter. massive clashes with angry protesters. complaints filed against them, according to the Minneapolis Police Department. Chauvin, dressed in a shirt and tie and gray The verdicts, read aloud at 4:07 p.m. and suit, glanced around the courtroom as the streamed live around the world, Mr. Thao, who was 34 at the time of Mr. Floyd’s verdicts were read, and was immediately prompted immediate celebrations in the arrest, had been with the Minneapolis Police handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom plaza outside the courthouse in Department for nine years. He faced six by Hennepin County sheriff's deputies when downtown Minneapolis, which until then misconduct complaints in his career with the his bail was revoked. Chauvin, who wore a had hosted somber prayer sessions and department. blue surgical face mask as mandated by the vociferous rallies calling for justice. court for COVID-19 safety, gave a nod to his He also was the subject of a lawsuit that claimed attorney, Eric Nelson, as he was led out a back Before Chauvin was taken away, that he and another officer punched, kicked and door. Hennepin County District Judge Peter kneed a Black man, leaving him with broken Cahill individually polled jurors, each of teeth and bruises. He was transferred to the Minnesota whom confirmed their verdicts as Department of Corrections and booked about correctly read. He then thanked them as A lawyer involved in the case said the city settled 4:55 p.m. into the state prison at Oak Park a group. "I have to thank you on behalf of the case by agreeing to pay $25,000. Heights while he awaits sentencing. (Continued on pg. 3)

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Treasure Coast/PSL Community Rufs Foundation’s 2nd Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault is Happening June 5, 2021!!! Join Us on Our Mission!

About the Foundation

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Sponsors Needed for This Event. If you would like to sponsor this event, call the Rufs Foundation at: 772-200-5252.

PAGE 2 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 VOL. 58 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Derek Chauvin, convicted (continued) At a later date Cahill will decide whether there were aggravating factors that could merit a prison

He nodded after the final guilty verdict on term above state sentencing

manslaughter was read. Soon, he was weeping and guidelines. hugging all four prosecutors in the courtroom — Ellison, Blackwell, Matthew Frank and Steve Prosecutors previously said there Schleicher, who wiped away tears from his were five aggravating factors that reddened eyes. should compel a stiffer sentence, including that Floyd was "I was just praying they would find him guilty," "particularly vulnerable" and was Philonise Floyd told a reporter afterward. "As an treated with "particular cruelty." African American, we usually never get justice." Second-degree unintentional In a statement, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria murder is punishable by up to 40 Arradondo thanked the jurors, as well as members years in prison. Third-degree of the police department during a "difficult and murder is punishable by up to 25 challenging" year. years in prison. the people of the state of Minnesota not only for jury service, but heavy-duty jury service," the "We recognize that our community is hurting, and However, Minnesota sentencing judge said. hearts are heavy with many emotions. guidelines call for identical presumptive prison terms for both The jurors stared at Cahill until they were called However, I have hope," the statement said. "The counts, starting at 12½ years for on, remaining still and quiet and displaying no community that I was born and raised in and that someone with no criminal history. noticeable emotional reactions during the brief we serve is resilient and together, we can find our proceeding, according to a reporter in the moment to begin to heal." Second-degree manslaughter is courtroom. punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $20,000. Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office The count carries a presumptive oversaw Chauvin's prosecution, summed up the sentence of four years for someone case simply: "George Floyd mattered." He saluted with no criminal history. the "bouquet of humanity" that attempted to intervene and recorded Floyd's final moments. Chauvin will be sentenced on the highest charge. Ted Sampsell- "They didn't know George Floyd, they didn't Jones, a professor of law at know he had a beautiful family, they didn't know Mitchell Hamline School of Law, that he was a proud father or had people in his said that if Cahill found aggravating life who loved him," Ellison said at a news factors and applied them to conference with members of his legal team. sentencing, Chauvin would receive a maximum of 30 years in prison. "They stopped and they raised their voices Without those factors, he said, because they knew what they were seeing was The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, the Chauvin would receive 15 years wrong. They didn't need to be medical or use-of- police union, issued a statement telling residents maximum. force experts. They knew it was wrong, and they of the city that the federation "stands with you and were right." not against you." Chauvin was the fourth officer tried in Minnesota for killing a civilian Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell followed, saying, "No "There are no winners in this case, and we respect on the job in the last four years. verdict can bring George Perry Floyd back to us, the jury's decision," the statement said. "We need but this verdict does give a message to his family the political pandering to stop and the race-baiting Former St. Anthony police officer that his life mattered, that all of our lives matter, of elected officials to stop. Jeronimo Yanez was acquitted in and that's important." 2017 for fatally shooting Philando In addition, we need to stop the divisive Castile during a traffic stop. Nelson left the courtroom without comment and comments, and we all need to do better to create a did not respond to messages. Minneapolis we all love." Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor was convicted in , an attorney for the Floyd Chauvin is the second Minnesota officer to be 2019 of third-degree murder and family, issued a prepared statement in addition convicted of killing a civilian on the job. second-degree manslaughter for to holding a news conference with the family. fatally shooting Justine Ruszczyk He is the first officer in Minnesota to be convicted Damond while responding to her "Painfully earned justice has arrived for George of second-degree murder, the highest murder 911 call about a possible sexual Floyd's family and the community here in count prosecutors can file without convening a assault in an alley. Minneapolis, but today's verdict goes far beyond grand jury to review evidence. this city and has significant implications for the Washington County sheriff's The jury of six people of color — two multiracial country and even the world," the statement said. deputy Brian Krook was acquitted women, three Black men, a Black woman — and "Justice for Black America is justice for all of last year for fatally shooting six white jurors began deliberating about 4 p.m. America. Benjamin Evans, who was Monday after hearing unusually long closing intoxicated, suicidal and had a gun This case is a turning point in American history arguments from the prosecution and defense that but had not threatened to harm for accountability of law enforcement and sends a totaled nearly six hours; they signed their verdicts officers. clear message we hope is heard clearly in every at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday. city and every state." Three other officers at the scene of They were asked to decide between the Floyd's arrest — J. Alexander One of Floyd's younger brothers, Philonise Floyd, prosecution's claims that Chauvin used excessive Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou clasped his hands over his face as the verdicts force when he knelt on Floyd's neck for about 9 ½ Thao face trial Aug. 23 on charges were read, according to a reporter who was minutes, and the defense's argument that Chauvin present. of aiding and abetting second- was following his training when he arrested an degree murder and manslaughter. unruly Floyd, and that Floyd died of a cardiac His hands shook as Cahill read the first guilty All three, who also were fired, are arrest resulting from drug use, pre-existing heart verdict concerning the second-degree murder out on bond. *** count. disease and clogged arteries. PAGE 3 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 VOL. 58 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Treasure Coast mother looking to change Florida law after 2019 death of adult son

"They gave me no options," Scheppler A spokesperson for Cleveland Clinic at Tradition said. "They said they would not help me said they are not commenting at this time on the get Joseph inside, knowing I couldn't get Jo investigation and ongoing litigation. Jo inside myself. He refused to get a doctor." CHANGING THE LAW Scheppler left 40 minutes after she first arrived. Her son's condition worsened by the The Florida Wrongful Death Act, or Florida time they traveled to a second hospital. Statute 768.21 states, in part, that if someone is not a spouse of someone who dies from medical "He had aspirated into his lungs," she said. negligence or their child under the age of 25, that "He never recovered." person cannot sue for damages for mental pain and

Joseph died nearly three weeks later. suffering, limiting them to seeking damages for the costs of medical bills and funeral costs. A state investigation found Tradition "Ten thousand dollars here, $10,000 there, that Hospital, part of Cleveland Clinic, doesn't make them sit up and pay attention," A Treasure Coast mother claims her son was denied emergency committed four violations of the federal Scheppler said. care at a hospital. It's a fight she's lost in the courts, but now EMTALA Act, or Emergency Medical Marcia Scheppler is battling in the Florida statehouse to change Treatment and Active Labor Act. Loutos and Scheppler have been fighting to the law. change the law in Tallahassee, supporting House EMTALA laws require hospitals to screen Bill 651 and Senate Bill 1112 that would lift the Scheppler said her 29-year-old son, Joseph, or "Jo Jo," was living and stabilize patients who present within limits for parents of adult children and allow in a group home in Port St. Lucie on Sept. 6, 2019. He had an 250 yards of a hospital. parents of adult children to seek damages for allergic reaction to medication. Scheppler filed a lawsuit in circuit court mental pain and suffering.

against Cleveland Clinic, Tradition Medical “He couldn't sit still. He couldn't sleep, couldn't eat. He was "As parents, we are asking for the right to protect Center and the charge nurse, looking for raising his hands up to try to help him breathe," Scheppler said. our adult children," Scheppler said. damages of up to $10 million. She was "I knew I had to get him to the emergency room right away and represented by attorney Cassidy Loutos. Opponents of the bill have said they worry it Cleveland Clinic at Tradition was the closest." would lead to an increase in "frivolous" lawsuits, "I was horrified," Loutos said. "Nobody increase malpractice insurance costs, and deter Surveillance video obtained by Scheppler shows, in the span of should have to beg to get treatment." physicians from coming to Florida. 30 minutes, she went into the hospital four times asking for help getting her son inside. It's something she said she could not do A judge dismissed the case, but Loutos is One of those opponents, Andy Bolin, with the alone since he was too scared to go inside. helping Scheppler appeal the ruling. They Florida Justice Reform Institute, spoke at the sued for more money than allowed by a state Judiciary Committee Hearing before When a charge nurse eventually came outside, a state law some have nicknamed "Florida's Free representatives voted unanimously in support of investigation found he refused to screen or stabilize Jo Jo. Kill Law." moving the bill forward.

Husband finds wife beaten to death at The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office responded to the hotel around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday after a call about an unconscious woman. Venice hotel Witnesses attempted CPR on the victim until paramedics arrived and took her to a local hospital. She died later that evening.

Less than 5 minutes after the initial call, deputies responded to the intersection of Alligator Drive and S. Tamiami Trail for a report of a suspicious person. The sheriff's office said it took five deputies to take the suspect into custody.

The sheriff said the suspect was arrested under the state's Marchman Act that allows law enforcement to take someone into custody if they're abusing drugs or alcohol.

Deputies identified the suspect as 30-year-old Stephen Havrilka. He has a long criminal history with 34 prior felony charges and 19 BY: CHERYL HUGHEY felony convictions. He served prison time on four separate occasions.

Deputies said he was caught on hotel surveillance cameras entering the room where the victim was discovered. The sheriff said he had been staying at the hotel for nearly a week.

Deputies said a search warrant was executed on his room where

A husband found his wife beaten to death at a Venice hotel Tuesday detectives recovered evidence from the aggravated battery. Havrilka faces a second-degree charge. morning. "This is one of the most egregious recent crimes we have seen in Gerald Strader said his wife, Tina, worked as a housekeeper at the Sarasota County," said Sheriff Kurt Hoffman. "My heart breaks for Rodeway Inn on South Tamiami Trail in Venice. He became concerned this woman's husband and her family. By all accounts, she was when he couldn't reach her. doing her job when she was terrorized by this animal."

"I thought well they moved her to the third floor or first floor or even Strader said he was married to his wife for 6 years. laundry room so I went and checked all those places and nobody had seen her, nobody had heard from her, nothing. "She made such an impact on so many people's lives. She was very genuine. She was awesome, absolutely awesome, she was my I went back to the room then when I opened the door, I saw her," said world," Strader said. Gerald Strader, the victim's husband. PAGE 4 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 VOL. 58 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

WEEKLY SPORTS

OJ SIMPSON SLAMS LEBRON JAMES FOR "It’s a war that must be fought but James deleted the tweet shortly after posting sometimes you need to take your time and it and explained that he sent it out of OHIO COP TWEET, SLAMS MEDIA FOR be a little more patient before you "ANGER." PORTRAYING 'EDITED VERSIONS' OF STORY comment on some of these bad incidents that are happening with police He was slammed by critics on social media BY: TERRY HUGHEY departments. This one, LeBron should’ve who accused him of using his platform to waited." incite violence against the officer to his nearly 50 million followers while seemingly Simpson went on to say that he’s watched suggesting that the shooting was unjustified the full clip, which shows Bryant coming off the heels of the conviction of appearing to charge at another female former Minneapolis police officer Derek with a knife before being shot. Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd. "I’m a little upset with most of the media because they showed us edited versions of what took place with the girl with the knife," he said.

They made it sound as if it was another police officer overreacting and killing a young Black American.

Well, from what I saw when I saw the full

thing, the police had no choice. O.J. Simpson took to social media Thursday to address the controversy surrounding NBA star LeBron James for his tweet He responded … in that instant, if he Simpson encouraged James to continue his targeting an Ohio police officer and slam the media for showing hadn’t done what he did -- it appeared to fight for justice but warned him to wait for "edited versions" of the shooting that resulted in the death of 16- me another young American would’ve had the facts before adding that he does not year-old Ma'Khia Bryant. her life taken." support the movement to defund law enforcement. Simpson posted a nearly two-minute-long video to his Twitter He continued: "I can’t fault what he did. I "LeBron, keep fighting the fight -- I think we where he began by saying that while he is a "fan" of the Los wish it was different, but I can’t fault it." all got to be a little more patient," he said. Angeles Lakers star and "admires" the work he’s done to advocate "I’m against defunding the police. against social injustices, he believes James spoke prematurely on James is facing major backlash after he tweeted on Wednesday an image of one of Tuesday’s officer-involved shooting. I just think you’ve got to redirect some of the officers at the scene of Bryant's shooting with the caption: "YOU’RE those funds to better training and maybe "You can’t fight every battle. You gotta pick your battles," dealing with more psychological training." Simpson said. NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY."

WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS

Chief deputy's son charged with DUI manslaughter in fatal crash in Fort Pierce

Chief Hester posted this statement to Facebook:

“Last night, my adult son, Luke Hester, voluntarily surrendered himself to the St. Lucie County Jail for warrants issued by the Fort Pierce Police Department related to a tragic auto crash that occurred on February 7 and resulted in the death of a young woman. We understand that there are and will be rumors and questions surrounding this, so in the interest of transparency, we wanted you to hear about it from us first.

We know and trust that our justice system is a fair one, that

individuals must be held accountable for their actions, and we A 19-year-old man is facing DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide continue to pray and ask for prayers for everyone involved, charges in connection to a fatal crash in Fort Pierce. especially the family who lost a loved one. We appreciate your

Police arrested Ryan Hester on Wednesday. support and respect for our privacy as we work through this together as a family.” Investigators say he was at the wheel of a Ford F-150 pickup truck that crossed the median and slammed head on into another car on Indian River Drive last February, killing a 32-year-old woman.

The victim, of Fort Pierce, has not been identified.

The State Attorney's Office issued a warrant for Hester's arrest. Police say he willfully turned himself in to the St. Lucie County Jail.

Hester is the son of Chief Deputy Brian Hester, the director of Law

Enforcement for the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. PAGE 5 SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2021 VOL. 58 WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

V.I.P Vendors 2nd. Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

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