George Floyd sister: what did LaTonya Floyd say during GMB interview ahead of Derek Chauvin trial

LaTonya Floyd took part in an emotional interview with Susanna Reid and Ben Shepherd on Good Morning Britain
LaTonya Floyd talked about he death of her brother during an interview with Good Morning Britain (ITV)LaTonya Floyd talked about he death of her brother during an interview with Good Morning Britain (ITV)
LaTonya Floyd talked about he death of her brother during an interview with Good Morning Britain (ITV)

The sister of George Floyd has opened up about life after the death of her brother.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain LaTonya Floyd described her life as “hell” and “so painful”, revealing that she had avoided watching the video of her brother’s final moments.

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Responding to Susanna Reid and Ben Shepherd, Floyd said: "I hope it's the beginning of justice for my family and hopefully everyone who has been through it”.

What did LaTonya Floyd say?

LaTonya Floyd was speaking ahead of the trial of Derek Chauvin who is facing the charges of the second and third-degree-murder of George Floyd.

Asked how she felt ahead of the trial, LaTonya Floyd said “between scary and happy”.

She said: “the scary thing is that we really don’t know what’s going to happen. A lot of families and people that’s been through the same thing that we’re going through now but believe me it was not as horrific as this. It’s scary. I’m happy because justice will be prevailed.

Presenter Ben Shepherd asked George Floyd’s elder sister how the months since his death had been.

She responded: "Last year? It’s been hell.

“We don’t see him, we don’t get to hold him, talk to him. It’s so painful.

"Something was taken away from us that I watched come from the hospital, I fed a bottle to, changed diapers, held him late at night, little baby brother and he’s not longer here.

"He was murdered. It hurts so bad. Our family has been going through it. Hopefully it’s the beginning of justice for my family and hopefully everyone who has been through it.”

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LaTonya Floyd also told hosts Shepherd and Reid “all lives matter”.

Following George Floyd’s death Black Lives Matter protests against police brutalitywere held across the United States.

Opposition of Black Lives Matter have taken to responding by saying “All Lives Matter”.

Critics of the term argue that use of All Lives Matter downplays the disproportionate racism and police brutality experienced by black people.

What has Derek Chauvin been charged with?

Derek Chauvin is facing charges of second and third degree murder.

According to Minnesota statute someone who is guilty of second degree murder is defined as a person who “causes the death of a human being with intent to effect the death of that person or another, but without premeditation."

Minnesota defines third-degree murder as the causing of death “by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life, is guilty of murder in the third degree.”

A person who is found guilty of third degree murder faces no more than 25 years in prison, while a person who is found guilty of second degree murder could face up to 40 years behind bars.

What happened to George Floyd?

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George Floyd, 46, was accused by a shop assistant of using a counterfeit bill to buy cigarettes on May 25.

Police were called after Mr Floyd refused to return the purchased cigarettes.

He was then taken into police custody but resisted when they tried to put him into the police car.

A struggle ensued ending with Mr Floyd lying on the street face down. The aftermath of the struggle was filmed by onlookers with Officer Chauvin shown kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for nine minutes, according to prosecutors.

Mr Floyd said he could not breathe twenty times.

The video showed him losing consciousness before arresting officers carried him away from the scene.

He was pronounced dead in hospital an hour later.