Prosecutors argued in the documents that Chauvin should receive a tougher sentencing because Floyd was a “vulnerable” victim, noting that he was pinned down as Floyd knelt on his neck. They added that Chauvin continued to kneel on Floyd’s neck despite Floyd saying he couldn’t breathe 27 times before coming unresponsive. The brief also notes that Floyd was “treated with particular cruelty,” given that Chauvin continued to kneel on the man's neck despite pleas from Floyd and bystanders. Prosecutors further stated that Chauvin abused his position of authority, and noted that three other officers at the scene — J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — “actively participated in the crime.” The brief also notes that the incident occurred “in the presence of multiple children.”