The verdict is in. A Baltimore grand jury has indicted all six police officers charged in the April death of Freddie Gray, the city’s top prosecutor announced Thursday. This means a trial will take place to determine their guilt or innocence.
The officers, who remain free on bail, will be arraigned July 2, Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said at a news conference. She did not take questions.
Gray, 25, died April 19 in the hospital, one week after he suffered a severe spinal injury during his arrest on a city street or immediately after as he was driven in a police van. He was handcuffed, face down, in the wagon and not secured while being transported, Mosby said. His death sparked several days of protests and some violence within the city and peaceful protests around the country.
The charges are nearly identical to those she announced three weeks ago, including the most serious — second-degree depraved-heart murder against the van driver, Officer Caesar Goodson Jr.
Mosby said that “additional information has been discovered,” resulting in some revision of the initial charges. The grand jury added counts of reckless-endangerment against some officers and dropped false imprisonment and assault against others.
(Photo: AP via Baltimore Police)
Here’s the breakdown of the grand jury’s action:
• Goodson — In addition to murder, he was charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, gross negligence vehicular manslaughter, criminal negligence and misconduct in office. One count of reckless endangerment was added.
• Lt. Brian W. Rice, the bike patrol officer who first chased Gray — Manslaughter, second-degree assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. Second-degree assault and false imprisonment charges were dropped.
• Officer William Porter, who Mosby said asked Gray at one van stop if he needed medical attention — Manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment, a new charge.
• Sgt. Alicia D. White, one of three officers who found Gray unresponsive on the floor of the police wagon — Manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment, a new charge.
• Officer Garrett E. Miller, who chased Gray — Second-degree assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. Charges of second-degree assault and false imprisonment were dropped.
• Officer Edward M. Nero was charged with second-degree assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. Second-degree assault and false imprisonment charges were dropped.
