A diverse Baltimore jury of 12 could not sort through all the evidence and reached a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial for accused cop William Porter. Porter is one of the six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray. Prosecutors believed Gray’s untimely death was the result of a “rough ride” in a police van. State prosecutors have already signaled that they will prosecute Porter again.
Porter faced second-degree assault, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, as have the other five officers charged in connection to Gray’s death.
Gray died in April from a severe spinal injury while in custody after being arrested when he fled from the police. Porter allegedly failed to get medical help for Gray as the transport vehicle carrying the suspect made several stops in Baltimore after picking him up on the way to the police station. Noted Baltimore activist Kwame Rose was arrested however we have yet to determine what he was actually charged with.
The family of Gray has asked all the citizens of Baltimore to remain calm.
