Baltimore, USA: The police officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray on April 12, have been charged with multiple counts, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, in connection with the death of a 25-year-old African American man in police custody.
Freddie Gray was arrested and taken into police custody on April 12, where he sustained severe spinal cord injury, requiring a medical attention, he went into coma several days later and died just a week after he was arrested.
Clockwise from top left: Baltimore police officers William G. Porter, Garrett E. Miller, Caesar R. Goodson Jr., Edward M. Nero, Alicia D. White, Brian W. Rice. (Baltimore Police Department)
Announcing to the public, state prosecutor, Marilyn Mosby has said that the warrants have been issued to Baltimore police department officers over the death of the 25 year old Freddie Gray. The announcement draws a loud cheer from onlookers as they listen to the prosecutor.
Ms Mosby said that the report of police officer that Freddie was carrying a switchblade was force as the young man was only carrying a legal folding knife and also there was no reason for arrest on the date he was detained in custody.
The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation, coupled with the medical examiner’s determination that Mr Gray’s death was a homicide, which we received today, has led us to believe that we have probable cause to file criminal charges
The cops after chasing him down put him in a police wagon without a seatbelt, a violation of police procedure.He suffered fatal injuries, after striking his neck while he was both handcuffed and shackled at the legs.
People reaction to the charges
The six officers that have been charged for homicide are :
-Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr.: Second-degree depraved heart murder, involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, manslaughter by vehicle, misconduct in office.
- Officer William G. Porter: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.
- Lt. Brian W. Rice: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.
- Officer Edward M. Nero: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.
- Officer Garrett Miller: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.
- Sgt. Alicia D. White: Manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.