Judge in George Floyd police trial weighs impact of $27 million settlement on jury

FILE PHOTO: A "justice for George" sign is displayed while people demonstrate as jury selection begins in Minneapolis for the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former policeman accused of killing George Floyd, a Black man, during a march in Portland, Oregon, U.S. March 8, 2021. REUTERS/Maranie Staab

(Reuters) - The judge in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with murdering George Floyd, said on Monday he was concerned publicity about the city's $27 million settlement with Floyd's family could influence jurors.

Calling the timing of Friday's settlement announcement "unfortunate," Judge Peter Cahill of the Hennepin County District Court said he would recall seven jurors seated last week to ask if they had seen news of the settlement and whether it would affect their impartiality.