The mother of Freddie Gray, the Baltimore man who died from a neck injury sustained while in police custody, attempted suicide, according to CBS Baltimore.
A call was made at around 9:35 p.m. Wednesday requesting medical assistance for a person in North Baltimore, which is where sources say Gloria Darden, Gray’s mother, attempted to take her own life.
Neighbors told CBS that they watched as medics put the woman onto a stretcher to be transported to a local hospital.
“I seen [sic] the police and ambulance right there. They were taking the lady out and putting her on the stretcher bed,” North Baltimore resident Diana Bruce told reporters.
Darden suffered minor injuries from the incident and did not require surgery or stitches, according to sources. She is now receiving a psychiatric evaluation.
Billy Murphy, the Gray family’s lawyer, released a statement on the matter:
“Because of an improper invasion of her privacy, Ms. Darden is being thrust into the national spotlight about an extraordinarily personal matter while she is still mourning the loss of her son,” the message read. “I saw her today and I can assure you that this kind of publicity is not at all helpful. We strongly urge the media to show restraint. The family asks that you continue to pray for her and for them.”
Gray’s disturbing arrest was filmed by an onlooker on April 12. The 25-year-old appeared to be in pain as officers dragged him to a police vehicle. Gray was later taken to a hospital and died one week later from a severe spinal injury, and his death eventually lead to a riot in Baltimore.
“I want you to get justice for my son, but don’t do it like this here,” Darden said during the city’s chaotic period.
The city of Baltimore recently awarded Gray’s family $6.4 million in a civil settlement. Darden is expected to receive $5.36 million of the award money, according to The Washington Post.
Murphy said in September that “Money won’t bring back Freddie Gray.”
Six officers were indicted for Gray’s death. The officers will have separate trials, with the first beginning on Nov. 30.
