74 Seconds

In March 2021, the first of the former officers charged in the killing of George Floyd will go on trial in Minnesota. Police officers are rarely prosecuted in such cases—and the world will be watching. MPR News, which has followed this case in detail from the beginning, will bring listeners updates on this monumental case, and the consequences it holds for the city and the country. Created in collaboration with American Public Media.

The events we covered in 74 Seconds were only a piece of a larger national conversation on policing and justice. A new podcast from WBEZ and The Chicago Tribune examines a case still unfolding in Chicago.

Looking for more in-depth listening and investigative reporting? We want to put a few shows on your radar.

The trial is over. A settlement has been signed. But how do people move forward? Plus: An interview with Wesley Lowery, a journalist who tracks police shootings across the U.S. Please consider taking our closing survey.

On July 15, the Twin Cities had its third high-profile police shooting in less than two years.

'There's this fear about a black man with a gun,' said Lucky Rosenbloom, a firearms trainer — who says he's likely the only African-American trainer in the state of Minnesota.

On July 6, 2017, Philando Castile's family and friends marked one year since the traffic stop when he was killed. Plus: What's coming next from the 74 Seconds team.

We dig into the case's investigative files and what they tell us about the night of shooting. Plus: One of the jurors in the trial sits down for an extended interview.

The car Castile was driving became a central piece of evidence in the case. It was towed away by authorities, photographed for the investigation.The things in his car, when you look through them, are all about another: Another dinner. Another day at work. Another flat tire. Another winter.

Four days after the verdict, investigators released the video: It's the first time those 74 seconds have been shown outside the courtroom.

We already know the outcome. But even though the trial has come to an end, for a lot of people, this story is not over.

On Friday, on the fifth day of deliberation, the jury in the trial of Jeronimo Yanez reached a verdict: Not guilty on all counts. We called reporter Riham Feshir, at the courthouse, in the minutes after the verdict was announced.

The judge re-read jurors a portion of the instructions he'd given them on Monday. "You should not hesitate to reexamine your views and change your opinion if they become erroneous, but you should not surrender your honest opinion simply because other jurors disagree or merely to reach a verdict."

The jury is about to go into its third day of deliberations. And while the Twin Cities waits for a verdict, a St. Paul police commander explains his department's layered approach to handling large groups and tense moments.

Both sides make their final arguments. The judge issues detailed instructions. And the case is left in the hands of the jury.

'I thought I was going to die,' Jeronimo Yanez told the jury. 'I had no other choice.'

By the fourth day of testimony, the prosecution has rested, the defense has moved for acquittal, and we expect to hear soon from Jeronimo Yanez himself.

On the second day of testimony, two of the witnesses closest to the shooting -- Diamond Reynolds and police officer Joseph Kauser -- take the stand.

The jury is seated, the defense and prosecution have made their opening statements, and the first of the witnesses take the stand -- including the woman who brought this case to the attention of millions.

As the first week of the trial ends, the jury in the case starts to take shape. Plus: Why choosing a jury for the trial of a police officer is different than for other trials.