Using pig's head, vandals target former home of defense witness in Chauvin trial
Court TV
Vandals reportedly attempted to target the California home of a defense witness in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin.
According to SFGate, residents of a Santa Rosa home told police they awoke early Saturday morning to pig's blood splashed on their door and a decapitated pig’s head out front.
The home once belonged to former Santa Rosa Police Department officer Barry Brodd, leading officials to believe he was the target of what ultimately ended up being a case of mistaken identity, per the report.
Brood, a former police instructor turned private consultant, testified last week that Chauvin’s use of force was “justified” and that Chauvin acted with “objective reasonableness” in line with MPD standards.
Brodd said the restraint was the safest option for officers.
"It doesn't hurt, you've put the suspect in a position where it's safe for you the officer, safe for them – the suspect – and you're using minimal effort to keep them on the ground" Brodd testified.
Multiple MPD officials, including Chief Medaria Arradondo, testified that Chauvin’s use-of-force was not reflective of the department's policies and values.
Chauvin, who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes during a May 25 arrest, is charged with third- and second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Brodd was the first paid witness of the trial, disclosing he was paid $11,400 to examine the case and testify for the defense.
Following Brodd’s testimony, the Santa Rosa Police Department issued a statement that Brodd has not worked for the department since 2004 and does not reflect its beliefs.
“His comments do not reflect the values and beliefs of the Santa Rosa Police Department,” the statement read.
