The name derek chauvin wife became known worldwide in 2020 after the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. While Chauvin’s trial and conviction drew global attention, many people became curious about his personal life — particularly about his wife, Kellie Chauvin.
Who is she? What happened to their marriage? And where is she now?
This article explores the complete story of derek chauvin wife, her background, career, relationship timeline, and what became of her life after their divorce.
Who Is derek chauvin wife?
Kellie May Xiong Chauvin is the ex-wife of former Minneapolis police officer derek chauvin wife. She was born in Laos in 1974 into a Hmong family who later fled the country during wartime. Her family immigrated to the United States as refugees when she was a young child, settling first in Wisconsin before moving to Minnesota, where she spent most of her life.
Growing up in a traditional household, Kellie often faced cultural challenges adjusting to life in America. She has spoken about her experiences with racism, poverty, and adjusting to a new country — struggles that shaped her resilience and independence.
Early Life and Education
derek chauvin wife early years were difficult. Her family lived in a refugee camp in Thailand for several years before being granted asylum in the U.S. When they arrived, they knew little English and had few resources.
Despite these challenges, she worked hard to build a stable life. She later studied radiology and eventually worked as a radiologic technologist at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Outside of her professional life, Kellie also pursued interests in photography, real estate, and even beauty pageants.
In 2018, she was crowned Mrs. Minnesota America, an achievement that brought her local recognition. Her platform focused on helping Hmong women who experienced domestic abuse, encouraging them to speak out and rebuild their lives — a message that would later gain renewed attention after her own marriage ended.
How Did derek chauvin wife and Kellie Meet?
Kellie met derek chauvin wife in the mid-2000s while she was working at the Hennepin County Medical Center. According to interviews, Chauvin had brought in a suspect for a medical examination. After the suspect was cleared, Chauvin reportedly returned to ask Kellie out on a date.
Their relationship grew quickly. Kellie described him as “a soft and caring man” at the time, a stark contrast to the image that later emerged in the media. They married in 2010 and seemed to live a quiet, stable life in suburban Minnesota.
The Marriage Years
Duderek chauvin wife ring their marriage, the couple owned several properties together, including a townhouse in Oakdale, Minnesota, and a vacation home in Florida.
Public records show that both were involved in financial investments and real estate transactions. Kellie also operated a small photography business.
While they lived relatively private lives, those close to them described their marriage as “reserved” — not filled with many public appearances or social gatherings. Chauvin often worked long hours as a police officer, and Kellie managed most of their household affairs.
There are no public records of children from their marriage, and both maintained separate personal circles.
The Turning Point: 2020 and the George Floyd Case
Everything changed in May 2020, when derek chauvin wife was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes, leading to Floyd’s death.
The video went viral worldwide, sparking protests, outrage, and a global movement for racial justice. Chauvin was arrested and later convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Just days after Chauvin’s arrest, Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce — on May 28, 2020 — citing “an irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.
In her public statement, she expressed sympathy for the Floyd family, stating that her “utmost sympathy goes out to his family, his loved ones, and everyone who is grieving this tragedy.”
Divorce and Settlement Details
Kellie Chauvin’s decision to file for divorce drew public attention, with many wondering whether it was motivated by emotional, legal, or financial reasons.
Court filings showed that she requested to change her last name and sought to dissolve the marriage immediately. She also asked for equitable division of property, which included homes, bank accounts, and other assets.
According to public reports:
- The couple’s Oakdale home was valued at over $250,000.
- Their Florida property sold for around $475,000.
- Kellie was awarded a significant portion of the marital assets — estimated at nearly two-thirds of their total wealth, which amounted to approximately $703,000.
Their divorce was finalized in February 2021.
After that, Kellie legally dropped the “Chauvin” surname in most public references, returning to using her maiden name.
Legal Troubles: The Tax Fraud Case
Even after their divorce, Kellie and derek chauvin wife remained entangled in legal matters — this time involving tax evasion.
The Charges
In July 2020, Minnesota prosecutors charged both Derek and Kellie Chauvin with multiple felony counts of tax evasion and failure to file tax returns.
The charges alleged that they had failed to report more than $460,000 in income between 2014 and 2019. This included:
- Derek’s off-duty security work income.
- Kellie’s photography and real estate business earnings.
- Income from property rentals and asset sales.
They also allegedly underpaid state taxes and failed to pay sales tax on a luxury BMW valued at over $100,000.
The Court Outcome
In February 2023, Kellie Chauvin pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting tax evasion.
As part of her plea deal:
- She was sentenced to 20 days in jail.
- She received three years of probation.
- She was ordered to pay $37,868 in restitution to the state.
derek chauvin wife also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 months in prison, to be served concurrently with his sentence for the George Floyd case.
Kellie’s sentencing marked the end of her legal battles, but it reinforced her determination to stay out of the public eye.
Life After Divorce: Where Is Kellie Chauvin Now?
After her divorce and sentencing,derek chauvin wife has remained private. She reportedly moved away from Minnesota and does not maintain any public social media presence.
Close acquaintances have said that she wishes to live a quiet, anonymous life. Having lost her beauty queen title, her career opportunities, and her privacy, she has chosen to focus on rebuilding her life away from public scrutiny.
As of 2025, there are no confirmed public appearances or interviews from Kellie. Some reports suggest she continues working in small-scale real estate and photography, but no verified business listings confirm her current operations.
Relationship With the Hmong Community
Being of Hmong descent, Kellie Chauvin’s story has also drawn attention within the Asian-American community.
She previously advocated for Hmong women facing domestic abuse, using her Mrs. Minnesota title to raise awareness.
However, her association with derek chauvin wife complicated her public reputation. Many Hmong Americans expressed sympathy for her situation while also condemning the actions of her ex-husband.
Despite this, some in the community continue to view her as a survivor of difficult circumstances who is attempting to rebuild her life independently.
Public Perception and Media Portrayal
Media coverage of Kellie Chauvin has been mixed. Early reports painted her as a supportive wife, while later coverage questioned her involvement in the tax evasion case.
Still, she has largely avoided public interviews or statements, which has helped her stay out of ongoing controversy.
In 2023, the New York Post reported that she believed derek chauvin wife “deserved a new trial,” though that claim has not been verified by court documents or direct statements from Kellie herself.
What Can We Learn from Kellie Chauvin’s Story?
Kellie Chauvin’s life illustrates how personal and public worlds can collide in unexpected and devastating ways. From a refugee child to a beauty queen and eventually a figure of national media scrutiny, her journey has been marked by resilience and reinvention.
Her story also underscores how individuals connected to major criminal cases — even indirectly — can face lifelong consequences in their careers and communities.
While public curiosity about derek chauvin wife remains strong, Kellie’s focus appears to be on privacy, personal healing, and rebuilding her life away from the spotlight.
Key Facts Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kellie May Xiong Chauvin |
| Born | 1974, Laos |
| Nationality | American (of Hmong descent) |
| Occupation | Former radiologic technologist, real estate agent, photographer |
| Marriage to Derek Chauvin | 2010–2021 |
| Children | None with Derek Chauvin |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of aiding and abetting tax fraud (2023) |
| Sentence | 20 days in jail, 3 years probation, restitution $37,868 |
| Current Status | Living privately, post-divorce |
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is derek chauvin wife?
derek chauvin wife is Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, a Laotian-born American woman who worked as a radiologic technologist and was crowned Mrs. Minnesota 2018.
2. When did Derek Chauvin and his wife divorce?
Kellie filed for divorce on May 28, 2020, just days after derek chauvin wife arrest for the killing of George Floyd. The divorce was finalized in February 2021.
3. Did Kellie Chauvin face criminal charges?
Yes. In 2023, Kellie Chauvin pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting tax fraud for failing to report over $460,000 in joint income. She was sentenced to 20 days in jail and 3 years probation.
4. Does derek chauvin wife have children with Kellie?
No. Derek and Kellie Chauvin did not have any children together during their marriage.
5. Where is Kellie Chauvin now?
As of 2025, Kellie lives a private life away from media attention. She completed her jail sentence and probation period and is believed to be residing outside Minnesota.
Conclusion
The story of derek chauvin wife, Kellie Chauvin, is both tragic and complex. Once celebrated as a successful immigrant and community advocate, her life took a dramatic turn after her husband became one of the most infamous figures in modern U.S. history.
Today, Kellie Chauvin’s focus appears to be on rebuilding her life privately, far from the controversy that once surrounded her. Her story remains a reminder of how quickly personal lives can be thrust into global attention — and how strength and discretion can be the only ways forward.
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