In case you’ve lost track, the #FreddieGray case is the one that inspired days of rioting, looting and arson in Baltimore. Six police officers are charged by State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby in connection with 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.
Mosby learned last week that, over the objections of the police officers’ attorneys, she would not have to recuse herself from the case. She also learned that there would be not one but six trials, one for each police officer charged.
In further court action today, the judge announced that there would be no change of venue, and the trials would all be held in Baltimore. Rawlings-Blake says the judge made the right decision, as having the trials in Baltimore would “help the city heal.”
Judge: Freddie Gray Trials To Stay In Baltimore: http://t.co/K2MbNs7xYG pic.twitter.com/Rj3kfNazSM
— WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) September 11, 2015
Trials for 6 officers charged in death of Freddie Gray to be held in Baltimore @jlepolastewart reports: http://t.co/2wXe5BFCdF #LiveOnFOX45
— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) September 11, 2015
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the city will be prepared for the trials. Prepared as in making sure the copiers are full of paper?
Baltimore's mayor says the city will be prepared for trials of officers in Freddie Gray case. http://t.co/yCHodiwU8U
— Yvonne Wenger☀️ (@yvonnewenger) September 11, 2015
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Rawlings-Blake said that the city has “improved its police training, bought new equipment and developed a new communication strategy in the months since the riots of April.” Rawlings-Blake is well-remembered for saying after the first round of riots that “We provided spaces for protesters to destroy if they chose to do that.”
The city just this week approved a $6.4 million civil settlement with Gray’s family. The Baltimore Sun estimates the city will now be forced to spend millions more on police overtime, courtroom security, and protection of the city during the six trials.
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