The Death of Freddie Gray: Still More Questions Than Answers

 

The Washington Post reported more details on the identities of the six officers accused in the death of Freddie Gray, including their racial makeup, and the charges against them:

The officers — three white, three African American — represent a broad spectrum of experience on Baltimore’s police force. Three of them joined the force only three years ago. Another officer, the driver who faces the most serious charges, is African-American and has been on the force since 1999.

Here is a snapshot of their profiles and more details on the charges according tostate’s attorney Marilyn J. Mosby, from the article:

Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., 45, African-American, on the force since 1999. He drove the van that transported Gray to jail. Goodson is the only one of the officers facing a murder charge. He is charged with second-degree depraved heart murder, a charge used when a suspect is accused of reckless disregard for another person’s life, in addition to involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, manslaughter by vehicle and misconduct in office.

Lt. Brian Rice, 41, white, the highest-ranking officer among those charged, is a 17-year veteran of the department. Mosby said Rice failed to establish probable cause for Gray’s arrest. The lieutenant helped load Gray onto a police wagon, then ordered the driver to stop the vehicle so that he and other officers could remove Gray, handcuff him and place leg shackles on his ankles. Rice is charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office and false imprisonment.

Officer Edward M. Nero, 29, white, joined the force in 2012. When Gray surrendered, Nero handcuffed him. After Gray resisted, Nero held him down until the police wagon arrived. Nero is charged with second-degree assault, misconduct in office and false imprisonment.

Officer Garrett E. Miller, 26, white, has been on the force since 2012. He helped load Gray into a police wagon and failed to restrain him with a seatbelt. Miller is charged with second-degree assault, misconduct in office and false imprisonment.

Officer William G. Porter, 25, African-American, joined the force in 2012, became involved in Gray’s arrest after Goodson requested back-up as he was driving to central booking, Mosby said. Porter failed to restrain Gray with a seatbelt. Nor did he call for medical help, despite Gray’s request. He is charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct.

Sgt. Alicia D. White, 30, African-American, joined the force in in 2010. The prosecutor said White made no effort to assess Gray’s condition despite having been told he needed medical assistance. She is charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office.