Summary: A mistrial has been declared after the jury was unable to reach a verdict for Baltimore police officer William G. Porter, the first cop to be tried in relation to Freddie Gray’s death.
After deliberating for over the course of three days and over 16 hours total, the jury could not come to a decision regarding the Baltimore cop charged regarding the death of Freddie Gray. Without a verdict, Judge Barry G. Williams was forced to declare a mistrial and Baltimore is required to wait some more to see any resolution to the case.
Baltimore Braces itself for Freddie Gray Case Jury’s Verdict
A hung jury is a perfect description of the community torn over how the incident happened at all and who should be held accountable for Gray’s ultimate death. There have been peaceful protests and violent riots as residents grow concerned over the treatment of law enforcement towards African Americans.
The jury for Officer William G. Porter’s case was made up of five white and seven black members. Without a verdict following two weeks of intense arguments and testimonies, prosecutors must now decide if trying Porter is worth it.
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The city is bracing for the worst as they also handle having a record-high murder rate this year. Police officers are prohibited from taking leave while schools are cancelling field trips and warning students not to participate in “any form of violence.” Police Commissioner Kevin Davis begged his officers to take the high road during any anticipated conflicts, “We will serve as peace keepers for those wishing to exercise their right to protest. We will protect homes, businesses, residents and police officers from harm and mayhem.”
Death of Freddie Gray: Charges Remain against Officers
Freddie Gray was arrested after being spotted and then running away from police. He was placed into the back of the police van with his hands and feet cuffed but without a seat belt, allowing him to fall and severely injure his neck. Medical experts compared his injury to diving headfirst into shallow water. Porter’s responsibility would be to strap Gray into the back of the van but arrestees are not generally buckled into the back of police vans.
Photo: nytimes.com