Officer Caesar Goodson’s trial transcends beyond Baltimore in exposing difficulties in proving police brutality cases when relying on police to investigate other officers. Closing arguments begin on Monday, June 20, in the trial of Caesar Goodson, the van driver and third Baltimore officer, to go to trial for the death of Freddie Gray. Goodson’s trial exposed the heart of the problems with proving these officers guilty of the various crimes for which they are charged in Gray’s death. And Goodson’s trial transcends beyond Baltimore in exposing difficulties in proving police brutality cases when relying on police to investigate other officers. Gray died on April 19, 2015 after being placed in police custody in a police van without a seat belt on April 12, 2015. The state alleges he was given a “rough ride” by van driver officer Goodson, which ultimately resulted in his spinal injuries and death, along with a failure to seat belt Gray, to avoid injury. Goodson faces the most serious … [Read more...] about Baltimore Police Officer Goodson Trial Recap before Verdict
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As the World Turns in Baltimore Police Officer Cases
There have been more twists and turns in the Baltimore police officers’ cases involving the death of Freddie Gray that anyone can count. The first two trials ended without a conviction. And today, more unlikeable twists and turns occurred in a Baltimore court room in the case of Caesar Goodson, the van driver. Goodson has been viewed by most persons, including some of his fellow officers as the most culpable one likely responsible for Gray’s death. The Baltimore City State’s Attorney office charged Goodson with the most serious crime of second degree murder-depraved heart along with manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. Goodson’s trial started today with pre-trial motions where he elected a bench trial before Judge Barry Williams, to the surprise of many legal analysts, including myself. A defense motion was also granted that precludes the state from introducing the April 15, 2015 statement of William Porter. Porter allegedly told … [Read more...] about As the World Turns in Baltimore Police Officer Cases
High Stakes for Third Baltimore Police Officer Trial
The stakes are high for Baltimore City prosecutors as the third of six high profile police officer trials in the death of Freddie Gray starts on Monday, June 6 with Officer Caesar Goodson, the van driver. Prosecutors were unable to obtain a conviction in the first two trials of Officers Porter and Edward Nero. Porter’s case ended in a mistrial and Nero’s trial ended in an acquittal of all charges. Goodson is considered to be the most culpable of the six as he is the only officer charged with the highest charge of second degree “depraved heart” murder. And Goodson was driving the van in which the prosecutors allege the injuries occurred. Whether prosecutors will be able to convict Goodson of any charges remains to be seen. There is no doubt that high pressure is on the prosecutors in this case. There are several key things to watch for in Goodson’s case. First, Goodson did not give a statement to any investigators. And he has an absolute right to remain silent at his trial. The state … [Read more...] about High Stakes for Third Baltimore Police Officer Trial
Judge to Deliver Verdict in Baltimore Police Officer Trial
The first verdict of the 6 Baltimore police officers cases involving the death of Freddie Gray will come on Monday, May 23. And despite the concerns of some in the police community that Judge Williams might be swayed by emotions, that is a non-issue. Officer Edward Nero chose a bench trial before Judge Barry Williams instead of a jury trial. And his fate will be sealed by Judge Williams’ decision based on sound legal principle and judgment. And the verdict may surprise many who have followed the trial. All judges are not created equal. And Judge Williams ranks heads above most judges for his intelligence, judicial temperament, sometimes wit and at all times no nonsense approach. And above all, Judge Williams is fair to wall sides as his previous rulings in the cases of William Porter and Edward Nero will support. That may be the real reason, the defense chose a bench trial—for his fairness and legal intellect. I suspect as a former Baltimore prosecutor that Judge Williams will … [Read more...] about Judge to Deliver Verdict in Baltimore Police Officer Trial
Former Baltimore Prosecutor’s Perspective on Freddie Gray-1 Year Later
On April 19, 2015 Freddie Gray died from spinal injuries sustained on April 12, 2015 after being found unconscious 45 minutes after being placed in a Baltimore police van. In the one year since Freddie Gray’s death, there has been no accountability for his death. Six police officers were charged in the death of Gray on May 1, 2015. Whether Baltimore prosecutors will be able to convict any of the six officers still remains a mystery. The death of Freddie Gray is only one part of what the Freddie Gray case exposed about Baltimore. On May 1, 2015, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged 6 police officers in the death of Freddie Gray with charges ranging from second degree murder, manslaughter, second degree assault, and various counts of misconduct. The first trial of William Porter ended in a mistrial in December. While some legal scholars and analysts derided Mosby for overcharging the officers and swiftly charging them weeks later following the incident, as a former … [Read more...] about Former Baltimore Prosecutor’s Perspective on Freddie Gray-1 Year Later