MINNEAPOLIS – A judge in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin granted prosecutors' request to add a third-degree murder charge Thursday, giving the jury more options as it considers Chauvin's culpability in the death of George Floyd.

Chauvin is also charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Floyd in May. Prosecutors contend Floyd, 46, was killed by Chauvin's knee, compressed against Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes while he was handcuffed and pinned to the pavement.

Jury selection continued Thursday following debate on the new charge. Potential jurors were being questioned about their knowledge of the case and the protests over Floyd's death and asked whether they can set aside any existing opinions to serve impartially.