Yea I agree with at least 2nd degree. Sure they also want to make sure can get conviction.Legally speaking, no. First degree requires him to have known who he was in the first place and actively plotted to murder him before the incident ever occurred. If anything, it could be second degree murder.
Also from the MEs office. Full report not out yet.
"The full report by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office is pending but so far has found "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation."
Floyd's underlying health conditions included coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease. The report says the underlying health conditions, combined with Chauvin's restraint and any possible intoxicants in Floyd's system, likely contributed to his death."