Today [Monday, December 7] marks the first day of a full week of testimony for the first of six trials surrounding the death of Freddie Gray.
Gray, a 25-year old resident of Baltimore, was arrested after attempting to flee police and possessing a knife. He would die a week later from severe spinal cord injuries sustained in a Baltimore City police van.
Baltimore police officer William G. Porter is the first officer of six and the first Black officer of three to stand trial. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault, misconduct and endangerment.
Baltimore Police officer William Porter approaches the court House in Baltimore, Maryland, November 30, 2015. REUTERS/Patrick Samansky/Pool
The main points that will decide the fate of this trial revolve around whether or not Gray requested assistance while in the van, and if this request was ignored.
While this may be the first full week, witness testimony officially unfolded last Thursday as Agent John Bilheimer took the stand to describe the training Officer Porter received in regard to transporting detainees.
The week concluded with Dr. Carol Allen, the assistant medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Freddie Gray.
Dr. Allen is expected to return to the stand as the trial resumes this week.
If found guilty of all charges, Porter faces more than 25 years in prison.
