Source: Handout / Getty
Judge Barry Williams declared Officer Caesar Goodson not guilty of second-degree depraved murder — the most serious of charges — Thursday morning.
Judge Barry Williams handed down a not guilty verdict in the bench trial for Officer Caesar Goodson, the third officer charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, according to theBaltimore Sun.
Thursday’s decision means Goodson avoided a conviction on the most serious charge handed down in the Gray case; second-degree depraved murder.
Goodson, who drove the van Gray was transported in, was also cleared of manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office, and reckless endangerment charges.
State prosecutors rested their case on the argument that Goodson was negligent, stating he failed to secure Gray with a seatbelt, was unresponsive to Gray’s requests for medical attention, and drove recklessly, ultimately causing Gray’s fatal spinal injury.
Prosecutors called fellow Officer William Porter as a witness to corroborate that the police van drivers have full responsibility of occupants. Porter’s trial ended via a hung jury in December. He will be retried again this September and was forced by an appeals court to testify under limited immunity from prosecutors.
Defense attorneys say that Gray was combative and called Officer Edward Nero as a witness, to strengthen their argument that Gray made it difficult to secure his seatbelt. Nero was acquitted of all charges against him in May.
There are four more trials scheduled related to Freddie Gray’s arrest and subsequent death. Lt.Brian Rice’s trial will begin on July 5, which will be followed by Officer Garrett Miller’s trial on July 27, Officer Porter’s on September 6, and Sgt. Alicia White’s on October 13.
SOURCE: Baltimore Sun | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter
SEE ALSO:
Freddie Gray Case: Verdict Expected For Officer Goodson On Thursday
Officer: Freddie Gray Twice Asked For Help During Van Ride
ARTICLE FROM: HelloBeautiful.com
Article Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun and HelloBeautiful
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