Freddie Gray Death: Baltimore Police Officers To Face Homicide, Other Charges

Maryland State Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby announced Friday that six Baltimore police officers will face charges ranging from misconduct to homicide in connection to the events that led to the death of Freddie Gray in police custody, the New York Times is reporting.

“We have probable cause to file criminal charges.”

Freddie Gray was arrested in Baltimore on April 12, according to this Inquisitr report, after running from police. He was arrested for possession of a knife that police claimed was an illegal switchblade, but which later turned out to be a legal pocket knife. He later died of severe spinal cord injuries suffered while in police custody.

The circumstances surrounding Freddie Gray’s death have not been made public as of this post, but the evidence seems to suggest that Gray suffered his fatal injuries while in a police van, according to CNN, where he was placed in arm and leg restraints but not put in a seat belt.

In her announcement, Mosby made it clear that there is enough evidence to charge the six Baltimore cops involved in his arrest with various crimes.

Who is Marilyn J. Mosby? A Guide to the Baltimore State’s Attorney: Late last year, Marilyn J. Mosby was a you… http://t.co/sIrgmw9S6P

— US Magazine Links (@dlusmagazine) May 1, 2015

Officer Caesar R. Goodson, Jr., identified as the driver of the police van in which Mr. Gray suffered his injuries, faces the most serious of the criminal charges: second degree depraved heart murder, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison, as well as second-degree murder, manslaughter, assault, and misconduct in office.

Other officers involved in Mr. Gray’s death were charged as follows.

• Lt. Brian W. Rice: Charged with manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office, and false imprisonment.
• Officer William G. Porter: Charged with manslaughter, assault, and misconduct in office.
• Sgt. Alicia D. White: Also charged with manslaughter, assault, and misconduct in office.
• Officer Edward M. Nero: Charged with assault, misconduct in office, and false imprisonment.
• Garrett E. Miller: Also charged with assault, misconduct in office, and false imprisonment.

The announcement of the charges was made to a crowd gathered at Baltimore’s War Memorial and drew cheers from the crowd. Police officers in riot gear stood nearby.

As of this post, it is unclear if any of the Baltimore police officers charged in Freddie Gray’s death are in police custody.

[Image courtesy of: Getty Images/Chip Somodevilla]