In April 2015, a black man by the name of Freddie Gray was detained by Baltimore police. In the midst of being transported, Gray allegedly fell into a coma and was taken to a trauma center. According to reports, Gray suffered spinal cord injuries while in custody, and reportedly Lt. Brian Rice is to blame for Gray's death because he did not secure him in a seat belt in the back of the police van. Because of that, Rice had pending charges brought against him which included involuntary manslaughter reckless endangerment, and more.
Now, according to reports Rice has been found not guilty in the death of Freddie Gray. Judge Barry Williams ruled that the alleged crimes were not able to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Williams said, "A mere error in judgment is not enough to show corruption." Rice is the fourth officer out of six to stand trial in the case. Judge Williams previously acquitted officers Caesar Goodson Jr. and Edward Nero, who were also on trial for the Freddie Gray incident. Another officer named William Porter is facing a re-trial in September after the jury declared a mistrial.
The Mayor of Baltimore -- Stephanie Rawlings-Blake made a statement saying that Brian Rice would still be facing a departmental review. Blake also asked that the community continues to respect the judicial process during what she said is "a very difficult time for [Baltimore]."
Source: reuters.com
