Judge Peter Cahill announced his decision on Friday in a Minneapolis, Minnesota court after having previously explained that he felt certain aggravating factors in Floyd's death – including Chauvin's then-position of authority and the presence of children – warranted more jail time than the 12-and-a-half years that was recommended by the state's sentencing guidelines.

Cahill added that he had written a 22-page memorandum explaining the legal analysis behind his decision.

The prosecution had asked for a 30-year sentence, while the defense team wanted time served and probation.

The ex-cop was sentenced only on the most serious charge.

George's daughter, 7-year-old Gianna Floyd, said one thing she missed about her daddy was how he used to help her brush her teeth. If she could see him today, she said she would tell him, "I miss you and I love you."

Floyd's nephew, Brandon Williams, told the court the experience had been "traumatizing," "tragic" and "devastating" for the whole family. He asked for Chauvin to be given the maximum penalty.

George's brother, Terrence Floyd, asked for the same. He also asked Chauvin indirectly, "Why? What were you thinking? What was going through your head when you had your knee on my brother's neck, when you knew that he posed no threat anymore and he was handcuffed? Why didn't you just get up? Why did you stay there?"

His other brother, Philonise Floyd, said he had not had a solid night's sleep in over a year. He said the sounds of his sibling "screaming for our mom" continue to keep him up at night.