Judge Barry Williams declared a mistrial today in the case of Officer William Porter, the first of six Baltimore Police Officers to go on trial for the death of 25 year old Freddie Gray while in police custody in April.
The 26 year old officer was charged with misconduct in office, assault, reckless endangerment and involuntary manslaughter in connection to Gray’s death. The judge announced a mistrial when the twelve jurors could not unanimously decide on a verdict.
Baltimore Police and authorities from other surounding areas began to prepare on Tuesday for possible unrest, donning riot gear, with Baltimore officials making space in the local detention facilities in the case of mass arrests. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake made the announcement today to the citizens that they respect the decision and that in the event of unrest, the city is “prepared to respond in case of any disturbance.”
The mistrial could possibly cause Porter’s trial to be moved from the City of Baltimore, causing venue changes and presenting other alternate strategies for the defense of the other five officers.
Attorneys are expected to appear in court in front of an administrative judge Thursday to pick a retrial date.
