Ex-Minneapolis cop Thomas Lane has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his involvement in George Floyd's murder, ABC News reports.
On Wednesday (May 18), Lane pleaded guilty to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter after failing to intervene or provide medical help when fellow officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck and killed him.
Now that he has struck a plea deal with prosecutors, Lane won't be facing next month's trial with his former Minneapolis police colleagues J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao. Lane, Kueng, and Thao were all convicted by a federal jury in February for violating Floyd's civil rights.
State Attorney General Keith Ellison said the plea deal represents an "important step toward healing the wounds of the Floyd family, our community, and the nation."
Ellison continued as he announced Lane's plea agreement, "Today, my thoughts are once again with the victims, George Floyd, and his family. Nothing will bring Floyd back. He should still be with us today."
According to the terms of the deal, Lane will have a count of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder dismissed. The ex-cop has not been sentenced yet, but the state recommended a three-year sentence served in federal prison, AP News reports.
On May 25, 2020, Floyd died after Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee leaving the 46-year-old Black man unable to breathe for over nine minutes. Lane helped restrain Floyd, who was handcuffed, by holding down his legs.
The State Attorney General said Wednesday that he was "pleased" with Lane accepting culpability in Floyd's murder.
"While accountability is not justice, this is a significant moment in this case and a necessary resolution on our continued journey to justice," Ellison said.
Per ABC News, it is currently unknown whether Kueng and Thao will strike similar plea agreements. The two are still scheduled to go to trial on June 13.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.