Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Baltimore’s top prosecutor says she plans to file criminal charges against six officers in the case of Freddie Gray who died in police custody.
State prosecutor Marilyn Mosby said the death of the 25-year-old black man was a homicide, and his arrest was illegal.
The charges range from second-degree murder to assault. Protesters cheered as she made the announcement.
Gray suffered fatal spinal injuries while in custody, sparking protests that turned violent.
“The findings of our comprehensive, thorough, and independent investigation coupled with the medical examiner’s determination was a homicide… has led us to believe that we have probable cause to file criminal charges,” Mrs Mosby told a news conference.
She said Mr Gray died as a result of injuries suffered while he was shackled inside a Baltimore police van, but not restrained by a seat belt – as he was legally required to be.
It was unclear whether the six officers, including a lieutenant and a sergeant, are in custody. The officers were suspended after Gray’s death.
Baltimore has seen nightly protests since the death of Freddie Gray
The driver of the van, Caesar Goodson, 45, faces the most serious charge, second-degree murder. The other officers face charges including involuntary manslaughter, assault and misconduct.
“To the people of Baltimore and the demonstrators across America, I heard your call for ‘no justice, no peace’. Your peace is sincerely needed, as I work to deliver justice on behalf of this young man.” Mrs Mosby said.
Mrs Mosby said that Gray was not carrying a switchblade as reported earlier by police, but a legal pocketknife.
The police union defended the officers and said they acted “diligently”. The union called for an independent prosecutor, something Mosby said was not needed.
BBC