Maryland State’s Attorney and chief prosecutor, Marilyn Mosby, made groundbreaking headlines on the morning of Friday, May 1. For those who missed it, Mosby’s shocking press conference included details about the controversial death of Freddie Gray and the announcement of charges being brought against six Baltimore police officers.
Although local citizens were elated about the step toward justice for Gray, there are some people who aren’t too pleased with the decisions being made. Now, Mosby is being scrutinized due to a number of factors regarding her personal life.
According to the Daily Mail , Baltimore defense attorney Warren Brown recently shared his concerns about Mosby’s orders, because he feels there are a number of questionable factors that may have contributed to the decision to charge the officers. Brown expressed concerns about Mosby’s close relationship with Baltimore attorney, William “Billy” Murphy.
Apparently, Murphy is Mosby’s mentor, but he’s also the attorney representing Freddy Gray’s family. It has also been reported that Murphy was one of the largest contributors for Mosby’s campaign, which took place four months ago.
“These conflicts include your personal and professional relations with Gray family attorney, William Murphy, and the lead prosecutor’s connections with members of the local media.
“Based on several nationally televised interviews, these reporters are likely to be witnesses in any potential litigation regarding this incident.”
I could watch this all day. #MarilynMosby #FreddieGray http://t.co/KfEtVGXr2k
— Reagan Gomez (@ReaganGomez) May 1, 2015
Brown also voiced his concerns about the pressure Mosby is facing where the public is concerned. Since Saturday, Apr. 25, the city of Baltimore has been a battle ground due to the violent riots that have taken place in wake of Gray’s death. The city’s state of emergency contributed to the preliminary investigation and autopsy report being expedited. Now, Brown argues the pressure and intense circumstances may have contributed to Mosby’s decision to bring charges against the officers involved.
“I think she has too much pressure to not indict, from the pressure of her husband’s constituents, of her mentor Billy Murphy, and of the pressure of making sure she wants to hold on to her job in four years. She’s going to feel the need to indict.”
Although Brown made no accusations in regards to Mosby’s relationship with Brown and the pressure she’s facing from the public, he stated that he hopes these factors did not contribute to her decisions.
“I hope her decision is not impacted by his counsel. He has his own prosecution, a civil one, but if she indicts then there is a criminal case. He has financial interest in indictment. I’m concerned he’s running interference for her.”
The new details have led to a heated debate about whether or not Mosby should be asked to step down due to conflict of interest. While some readers insist the evidence presented is substantial enough for the charges that have been brought against the officers, others argue that the conflict of interest is questionable.
Do you think Marilyn Mosby’s relationship with Billy Murphy could sacrifice the integrity of the investigation? Should she be asked to step down due to conflict of interest? Share your thoughts.
[Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images]