Six Baltimore Police Officers Face Charges in Freddie Gray’s Death
A Baltimore Police officer was charged with second-degree murder and five others face several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, assault, and misconduct in office, in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray when he was under police supervision.
State’s attorney Marilyn Mosby ruled Gray’s death a homicide and said that he suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet, and placed on his stomach unsecured in the back of a police wagon. The investigation also ruled that Gray was illegally arrested without probable cause, and that the pocket knife found on him was legal.
“Accountability,’’ Mosby said. “You’re getting it today.’’
Gray asked “at least twice’’ for medical attention but was ignored by officers, Mosby said. Police then went out of the way to pick up another prisoner to put in the back of the wagon, which Mosby said was “grossly negligent.’’ One officer went in the back to check on Gray and found him unresponsive, but “made no effort’’ to assess his condition.
When the vehicle arrived at the police station, the other prisoner was taken into the station first. Officers then checked on Gray, and found him to be no longer breathing. A medic was called, and Gray was taken to the hospital, where he died a week later.
Five of the officers are in custody, and a warrant is out for the arrest of the sixth, according to The Washington Post.
Officer Caesar Goodson faces the most severe charge of second-degree murder. All six officers, including a sergeant and a lieutenant, face charges of second-degree assault and misconduct in office, and four face involuntary manslaughter.
Gray’s death touched off days of protests in Baltimore, as residents voiced their displeasure with what they said were years of police brutality and mistreatment. Mosby specifically referenced those protests in her announcement of charges against the six officers.
“I have heard your call for ‘No justice, no peace,’’’ Mosby said. “However, your peace is sincerely needed as I work to deliver justice for Freddie Gray.’’
Freddie Gray’s Death Sparks Riots in Baltimore
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