Several trials in 2021 captured audience attention in USA and globally with a mix of celebrity conservatorship, human trafficking, racial /police killings, murder, and self-defence. These were surprising things that happened in courtrooms in 2021:
Derek Chauvin Guilty of Murder
Undoubtedly, ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trail facing three charges related to George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. Video evidence of the Minnesota incident led to Chauvin’s guilty verdict. The jury deliberated for 10 hours over two days ultimately finding Chauvin guilty of second-degree manslaughter and murder, and third-degree murder. The disgraced cop was handed a 22.5-year sentence for the killing that sparked global protests about police brutality and racial inequality. During sentencing, Judge Peter Cahill scathingly discussed Chauvin’s cruelty towards the victim and his abuse of position of trust and authority.
Kyle Rittenhouse Acquittal
Eighteen year-old Kyle Rittenhouse faced charges of shooting three people, killing two, and wounding the third in August 2020, during a protest over the shooting of Jacob Blake by the police. During the trial, he told the court about fearing for his life when they cornered him in Kenosha. During his testimony, he often sobbed uncontrollably. Rittenhouse’s defence lawyers argued self-defence with the jury sided with him and finally acquitted him.
Jussie Smollett’s Lying
The 39-year-old B-list actor, Jussie Smollett, claimed being beaten up, noosed and doused with bleach by Trump devotees in November 2021. He had staged the crime, and the Chicago trial jury agreed with the prosecutors, found him guilty of felony, disorderly conduct, and filing false police report. Smollett hired two brothers to commit the false-hate crime, but his attorneys claimed that the Osundairo brothers were criminals and liars. The special prosecutor Dan Webb accused Smollett of being a serial liar, exploiting racial tension in Chicago for weeks and also lying under oath.
Britney Spears Conservatorship Drama to Continue
Jamie Spears, Britney’s father, filed to end his conservatorship without seeking compensation, but issues remained before she could enjoy her freedom. Issues include her own mother and sister failing to help during her terrible isolation, serious allegations against her manager/father, and investigations about poor handling by Jamie Spears about his daughter’s finances. The pop star’s lawyer, Matthew Rosengart recently stated that Jamie Spears will not be able to avoid investigations into his accountability.
Ahmaud Arbery Killing and an Emotionally Charged Trial
Three white Georgia men chased down and killed an unarmed Ahmaud Arbery while jogging. Father and son, Travis McMichael, 35, and Gregory McMichael, 65, and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan, 52, faced several charges for following Arbery in their cars and fatally shooting him in Brunswick on February 23, 2020. In an emotionally charged trial, the attorneys for the defense argued the accused tried to make a lawful citizen’s arrest after watching Arbery looking suspiciously into an under-construction house in the neighborhood. All 3 suspects were found to be guilty of murder. Travis McMichael was convicted of malicious murder for pulling the trigger while Gregory and Bryan were convicted of lesser charges, but faced life in prison at sentencing. People everywhere tuned in for this closely-watched trial verdict, while Arbery’s mother praised the decision.
R. Kelly Conviction
Disgraced R&B singer and record producer, R. Kelly, faced 9 charges, including indecent abuse, marrying a minor girl, human trafficking, and racketeering. In September od 2021, the singer was declared guilty on all federal charges.