Freddie Gray judge prosecuted police misconduct cases for DOJ

[Valin]

Power Line:

Paul Mirengoff

November 30, 2015

 

The trial of the first of the first of six Baltimore officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray began today in Baltimore with jury selection. Officer William G. Porter, 26, faces charges of manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, and reckless endangerment because he allegedly did not get medical help for Gray when he complained of injuries after his arrest.

 

None of the 75 potential jurors in the first batch questioned by Judge Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams answered affirmatively when asked if they were unfamiliar with this case. Each one also indicated awareness of the $6.4 million civil settlement the city paid to Gray’s family, as well as the curfew imposed after Gray’s death.

 

The attorneys for the defense in these cases have sought to have the trial moved out of Baltimore. They argue that publicity surrounding the case and the prospect of additional civic unrest could influence the jurors’ decision. The jurors’ familiarity with the case tends to support the first part of this claim. Reports that protesters’ chanting could be heard inside the courtroom tends to support the second part.

 

There’s also a question as to whether Judge Williams will be completely impartial. Before he became a judge, Williams specialized in investigating and prosecuting police misconduct cases for the federal government.

 

(Snip)

[clearvision]

I suspect many more riots in Baltimore before this is over.