The judge hearing the case of Baltimore police officer William Porter, who is charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office in the death of Freddie Gray, has sent back the jury after they said they were deadlocked on the charges.
Breaking; Porter jurors say they are deadlocked. Judge sends them back
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) December 15, 2015
Amazing.Don't remember a jury in a major case ever coming back this quickly to say they are deadlocked.#freddiegray https://t.co/er4I9rYkRH
— tim phelps (@timphelpsLAT) December 15, 2015
Six police officers have been charged by State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby in connection with the death of Freddie Gray’s death, which allegedly occurred in police custody after he suffered a spinal injury during a “rough ride” in the back of a police van. His death sparked days of rioting in Baltimore this April, causing millions of dollars in damage due to looting, arson and vandalism.
A judge denied a request for a change of venue, and also determined there would be six separate trials.
According to the Associated Press, the jury wrestled with the legal meanings of terms like “evil motive” and “bad faith” and their relationship to the misconduct in office charge.
Breaking: #PorterTrial jury says it is deadlocked. Judge sent them back to continue deliberating. #FreddieGray
— Paula Reid (@PaulaReidCBS) December 15, 2015
Judge tells Porter jurors to keep going after they report being deadlocked after about a day of deliberating #portertrial
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) December 15, 2015
@justin_fenton Is the judge allowed to do that? If they can't come to an agreement and they know it, it seems unfair 2 keep the, there?
— Sass Master (@Chrissyma) December 15, 2015
@Chrissyma @justin_fenton No restrictions. He can keep them there.
— STOKECITY USA (@josher71) December 15, 2015
@Chrissyma @justin_fenton it happens routinely
— Mike (@Mike23656644) December 15, 2015
@Chrissyma @justin_fenton he can do this. But He can't force a decision if they can't come to one. 1 day is too short for a hung jury
— Peter Walden (@BaltimoreSpurs) December 15, 2015
@BaltimoreSpurs @justin_fenton What's the threshold?
— Sass Master (@Chrissyma) December 15, 2015
@Chrissyma @justin_fenton case by case – up to the judge. Many factors at play
— Peter Walden (@BaltimoreSpurs) December 15, 2015
If jury truly can't reach a verdict, a mistrial would be declared and Porter would have to be tried all over again.
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) December 15, 2015
However, judge Williams wants them to keep talking and try to come to a unanimous verdict #PorterTrial
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) December 15, 2015
@justin_fenton Is it automatic that he'd be retried or can prosecutor decline to try again?
— EdAsante (@EdAsante77) December 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/SaltyWorley/status/676868292959580160
As Twitchy reported yesterday, both the Baltimore Police Commissioner and the CEO of the Baltimore School District issued letters urging calm whatever the jury’s verdict.
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