The fifteenth and final juror in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been chosen.
According to the Associated Press, Juror No. 131, who is a married accountant, was selected late Tuesday morning (March 23), rounding out the three alternate jurors for the 12-person jury, who will decide the fate of Chauvin.
The prosecutors and defense attorneys in the case previously agreed that only 12 jurors and two alternates would be needed. However, Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill wanted an additional alternate in case a juror dropped in the next week.
The additional juror will reportedly be dismissed after Monday (March 29) if no other juror drops out before then.
The selection of Juror No. 131 comes more than two weeks after jury selection began. Attorneys from both sides as well as Judge Cahill went through more than 100 people, dismissing those with strong views, before deciding on the final 15.
Opening statements in Chauvin's trial are set for Monday. The former cop is charged with third-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree murder in the May 25 death of George Floyd.
Chauvin was recorded pressing his knee against Floyd's neck for about nine minutes. The incident sparked protests worldwide.
Chauvin has pled not guilty to the charges against him.