Day 2 of Derek Chauvin‘s murder trial for killing George Floyd opened as it ended on Monday — with the testimony of an eyewitness who has emerged as a central figure in the case.

Donald Williams III, a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and former wrestler who is a witness for the prosecution, testified beginning Monday about his experience and knowledge surrounding the topic of chokeholds in relation to how Chauvin applied pressure to Floyd’s neck.

Williams offered the unparalleled combination of first-personal and professional perspectives that gave him an extra level of credibility despite his obvious scorn and disdain for Chauvin, both of which came across clearly to TV viewers. It was also apparent that Eric Nelson, Chauvin’s lawyer, was trying to antagonize Williams, who kept his cool throughout the entire cross-examination.https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=feedly&dnt=true&embedId=twitter-widget-0&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1376916716853284870&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Ffeedly.com%2Fi%2Fmy&siteScreenName=feedly&theme=light&widgetsVersion=e1ffbdb%3A1614796141937&width=500px

He referred to the kneeling restraint used by Chauvin as a “blood choke” and said, “I believe I witnessed a murder,” when asked his thoughts as came upon the scene of the alleged crime in Minneapolis last Memorial Day. Williams explained that’s why he called the police on Chauvin.

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“He just pretty much killed this guy that wasn’t resisting arrest,” Williams can be heard on audio of his 911 call that was played in court on Tuesday.https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=feedly&dnt=true&embedId=twitter-widget-1&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1376906991977775104&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Ffeedly.com%2Fi%2Fmy&siteScreenName=feedly&theme=light&widgetsVersion=e1ffbdb%3A1614796141937&width=500px

On Tuesday, Williams kept that some energy and then some as he was cross-examined by Nelson, who tried to use the former wrestler’s experience grappling against him to no avail. Williams was unflappable and at times seems to be growing exasperated of being asked questions that anybody who had seen the video of Floyd’s death — everybody in the courtroom — knew the answer to.

A key exchange came as Nelson appeared to be asking questions to get a rise out of Williams, who refused to take the bait and willingly admitted to his own words that were anything but incriminating.

Source: Testify, Donald Williams! George Floyd Eyewitness’ Unflappable Testimony Is Golden