BALTIMORE (AP) — The Latest on the trial of a police van driver in the death of a young black man in Baltimore (all times local):
12:15 p.m.
A prosecutor says a police van driver critically injured a young black man by giving him a ‘rough ride’ in back of a police wagon.
Prosecutor Michael Schatzow made the accusation Thursday during opening statements in the trial of Officer Caesar Goodson. He faces charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and other charges in the death of Freddie Gray.
Gray died April 19, 2015, a week after he suffered a critical spinal injury in the back of Goodson’s wagon.
Goodson’s faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the murder charge. He chose to have a judge, not a jury, decide his case.
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11:15 a.m.
The judge in the trial of an officer charged in the death of a 25-year-old black man whose neck was broken in the back of a police van blasted prosecutors for withholding information from the defense.
Officer Caesar Goodson faces second-degree murder, manslaughter and other charges in the death of Freddie Gray. Gray died April 19, 2015, a week after he suffered a critical spinal injury in the back of Goodson’s wagon.
Goodson’s defense attorneys filed a last-minute motion asking the judge to dismiss the case because prosecutors didn’t disclose that they had a meeting with another man who was in the wagon with Gray. Prosecutors said the meeting didn’t produce new information.
In a hearing, Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams admonished the state and determined that they violated discovery rules. Williams said Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Michael Schatzow has until Monday to turn over any other exculpatory materials or “there will be sanctions.”
The trial is slated to begin with opening statements Thursday.
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8:40 a.m.
The judge in the trial of a police officer charged with murder in the death of a black man whose neck was broken in a police van will hold a hearing on whether prosecutors improperly withheld discussions with a potential witness.
Newly unsealed documents show that Officer Caesar Goodson’s attorneys want Judge Barry Williams to dismiss the case. Williams will hear arguments in the matter Thursday as the trial is set to get underway.
Defense attorneys argue that prosecutors didn’t notify them that they met with a second man who was in the police van. Prosecutors say they did meet with the man, but they say the meeting didn’t produce new information and they don’t plan to call him as a witness.
Goodson, who chose a bench trial, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment charges stemming from the death of Freddie Gray. Prosecutors say Goodson was ultimately responsible for Gray’s well-being.
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3:45 a.m.
The trial for a police officer charged with murder in the death of a 25-year-old black man whose neck was broken in the back of a transport wagon is slated to begin.
Officer Caesar Goodson faces second-degree murder, manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment charges stemming from the death of Freddie Gray.
Prosecutors say Goodson was ultimately responsible for Gray’s well-being and was so negligent in failing to call a medic for Gray or buckle the man into a seat belt that his inaction amounts to a crime.
Goodson waived his right to a jury trial and instead will leave his fate up to Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams.
Gray died April 19 of last year, a week after he suffered a critical spinal injury in Goodson’s wagon.
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(Photo Source: AP)
