Of course intent is required for any crime, whether the intent was to engage in a course of action with reckless disregard to the deleterious consequences. Otherwise, you could charge an unconscious person with a committing a crime while unconscious.
A drunk driver INTENTionally drives his vehicle knowing that he isn’t fully in control.
The cop kneeling on his neck didn’t look like he cared if he killed him or not. How does that fit in with what charges are brought?
I understand MURDER requires intent. And you are incorrect. Intent is not required for every crime. Look up Texas 19.04. It’s very clear that intent (as it applies to the legal definition) is not required) in Texas. Want to split some stupid hair-nice try. Look up the law-“ There is no requirement of premeditation to this crime and no requirement for there to be intent or knowledge on the part of the defendant.”
Not for criminal negligence, of which these guys must be culpable. Their indifference is inexcusable. Numerous bystanders were pointing out that Floyd had become unresponsive. He had stopped breathing. The cops all just sat and waited and didn’t even bother with a cursory check of Floyd’s status.
No, I don’t think it was murder and that they intended to kill him. But they should have taken action when he was obviously unresponsive and apneic, even to laymen.