Derek Chauvin Trial Begins in Death of George Floyd

Watch: Day 6 Of Derek Chauvin's Trial | NBC News

Watch live coverage of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin is charged in the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd. Warning: This stream may include images and audio some viewers may find upsetting or disturbing.

WATCH LIVE - Derek Chauvin trial: State to cross-examine pathologist on Floyd's cause of death

Prosecutors will cross-examine retired pathologist and former Maryland chief medical examiner Dr. David Fowler, who testified Wednesday that George Floyd died of cardiac arrhythmia, and not from pressure caused by Derek Chauvin's knee.

"His significant contributing conditions would be, since I've already put the heart disease in part one, he would have the toxicology, fentanyl and methamphetamine," Fowler told defense attorney Eric Nelson and jurors during questioning. "There is exposure to a vehicle exhaust, potentially carbon monoxide poisoning, increased carbon monoxide in his blood and paraganglioma, or the other natural disease process he has. All of those combined to cause Mr. Floyd's death."

Fowler said given the condition of Floyd's heart and the drugs in his system, he would have ruled the manner of death "undetermined."

Before the day's testimony began Judge Peter Cahill denied a motion by Derek Chauvin's attorney to drop all charges against the former officer. Eric Nelson asserted that the state has failed to make a case against Chauvin, and asked that his client be acquitted. It is a common request defense attorneys make during the course of a trial.

Cahill ruled against the motion, and also quashed a subpoena that would have forced reluctant witness Morries Hall to testify, saying he had "a complete fifth amendment privilege here."

Chauvin faces three charges, second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder in the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in May 2020.

WARNING: Some of the images depicted in the video and testimony are graphic.