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A key witness who was with George Floyd when he was arrested is refusing to testify against the ex-cop accused of murdering his longtime friend, court documents show.

Morries Lester Hall, 42, was one of the passengers with Floyd in a car in Minneapolis last May when the 46-year-old was arrested — insisting in interviews days later that he was “going to be his voice.”

But Hall filed a surprise motion in Hennepin County District Court late Wednesday asking not to be called in the murder trial of ex-cop Derek Chauvin — and insisting he would not answer questions even if called.

In the filing, Hall’s lawyers say he “hereby provides notice to all parties in this matter that if called to testify he will invoke his fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination.”

“Therefore, counsel for Mr. Hall respectfully moves this court to … release Mr. Hall from any obligations therein,” the papers said.


  Morries Lester Hall told “Good Morning America” that he watched George Floyd “begging for his life.” ABC Morries Lester Hall told “Good Morning America” that he watched George Floyd “begging for his life.” ABC

Hall, also known as Maurice, was not only with Floyd that day but was also caught on video footage watching the fatal arrest as well as interacting with the officers.


  Bodycam footage shows George Floyd being approached by Minneapolis police shortly before his death. Court TV via AP Bodycam footage shows George Floyd being approached by Minneapolis police shortly before his death. Court TV via AP

He gave a series of interviews days after his friend’s death, recalling to “Good Morning America” how he was haunted by watching his friend “begging for his life” and “fearing the Reaper.”

Morries Lester Hall will plead the Fifth Amendment and not testify as a witness in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Minneapolis Police

“I’m a key witness to the cops murdering George Floyd, and they want to know my side,” he told the New York Times in early June

“I walk with Floyd … I know that I’m going to be his voice,” he vowed at the time.

But the Times said that at the time, he had outstanding warrants for his arrest on felony possession of a firearm, felony domestic assault and felony drug possession.

He provided a false name to officers at the scene of Floyd’s arrest, a Minnesota official told the paper, and has also been accused of trying to pass a counterfit bill just like Floyd had, sparking his arrest that day.


  Derek Chauvin (right) is standing trial for the murder of George Floyd. Court TV via AP Derek Chauvin (right) is standing trial for the murder of George Floyd. Court TV via AP

As of Thursday morning, there has not been a response to Hall’s motion as Chauvin’s trial entered its fourth day of testimony.

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