BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — As the trial of Derek Chauvin continues 23ABC News spoke to a criminal justice professor at Bakersfield College to help get a better understanding of the proceedings.
Dr. Tommy Tunson said that one thing that stands out to him is the reliance on medical evidence and biological facts. The defense has already stated that Chauvin's actions did not kill George Floyd but rather Floyd's condition at the time was a big factor in his death.
Dr. Tunson says this was an interesting tactic: "It has nothing to do with, what's the relevance, with 9 minutes and 49 seconds of a knee on the neck. That was my concern. "
23ABC learned Thursday that Chauvin will not testify in court citing his 5th Amendment rights.
America in Crisis
Testimony complete in Chauvin trial; closing arguments Monday
Dr. Tunson says in a trial like this one he wasn't surprised Chauvin elected not to get up on the witness stand.
"That's standard. And a good defense attorney will never put his client, especially charged in such a public and well-known case, where everybody has seen the video. I think it's a smart move because there is nothing he could have said to change what the people have seen and what the jurors have heard."
Dr. Tunson added that this move does not necessarily indicate the outcome of the trial.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:
