In a move that may be a shock to many, Baltimore circuit judge Barry Williams, who has been presiding over the trials of the six police officers whom were indicted in the death of Freddie Gray, has acquitted the officer facing officer who was facing the most severe charges. Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., was the driver of the van where Gray sustained his fatal injuries, was initially charged with second-degree murder and three counts of manslaughter. Prosecutors in the case alleged that Goodson purposely drove recklessly, knowing that Gray was shackled but unrestrained in the back of the van, a practice that has been labeled a, “rough ride.”
Williams believes that the case against Goodson lacked sufficient evidence, stating: “As the trier of fact, the court can’t simply let things speak for themselves.” With Goodson’s acquittal, it puts the rest of the officers whose cases are still pending but facing lesser charges, in jeopardy.
Freddie Gray died on April 19, 2015, a week following his arrest. Protests and rioting erupted in the city of Baltimore that caught nationwide attention.
Via: The Baltimore Sun
