A Baltimore, Maryland judge today heard motions calling for dismissal of charges against the six officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray in April of this year. During Gray’s violent arrest, his spinal cord was severely injured causing his death a week later. His death resulted in rioting, which led to the injury of 100 officers and damage to 400 Baltimore businesses.
The lawyers for the accused have asked for dismissal and the removal of Baltimore State’s Attorney General Marilyn Mosby and her office from the case. The lawyers of the accused have stated that Mosby tainted the pool of prospective jurors with her comments during the early investigation of the case. Mosby is quoted as stating, “No Justice. No Peace” and was adamant to the community that the officers involved would face charges. Judge Barry Williams stated that he found Mosby’s remarks troubling, but it would not stop the officers from receiving a fair trial.
The lawyers for the accused officers centered their arguments for the removal of Mosby because of conflicts of interests, her actions and those of employees in her office. However, the defense team failed to discuss the worth of the evidence in the case. Judge Williams responded by saying, “None of these conflicts represent real conflicts that require recusal of anyone, let alone the entire State’s Attorney’s Office.” The six officers face serious charges, which include manslaughter, depraved heart murder and reckless endangerment. The judge will next decide if the officers will be tried separately or together in the next few days.
