Freddie Gray death: Grand jury indicts police officers

Catherine E. Shoichet
By Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 9:15 PM EDT, Thu May 21, 2015
Six Baltimore police officers were charged in the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, who died of a severe spinal-cord injury while in police custody. But there were no convictions in the case. Three of the officers were acquitted before <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/27/us/freddie-gray-verdict-baltimore-officers/index.html">prosecutors dropped the charges against the remaining three in July 2016</a>. Seen here is <strong>Lt. Brian Rice</strong>, who was part of the bike patrol that arrested Gray. On July 18, 2016, Rice was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office in connection with Gray's arrest and death.
Six Baltimore police officers were charged in the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, who died of a severe spinal-cord injury while in police custody. But there were no convictions in the case. Three of the officers were acquitted before prosecutors dropped the charges against the remaining three in July 2016. Seen here is Lt. Brian Rice, who was part of the bike patrol that arrested Gray. On July 18, 2016, Rice was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office in connection with Gray's arrest and death.
Baltimore Police Department
Officer <strong>Caesar Goodson</strong> drove the van in which Gray was fatally injured. On June 23, Goodson <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/23/us/baltimore-goodson-verdict-freddie-gray/" target="_blank">was found not guilty</a> on all charges, including the most serious count of second-degree depraved-heart murder.
Officer Caesar Goodson drove the van in which Gray was fatally injured. On June 23, Goodson was found not guilty on all charges, including the most serious count of second-degree depraved-heart murder.
Baltimore Police Department
<strong>William Porter</strong> was the first of the six officers to face a trial. It <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/16/us/baltimore-police-trial-freddie-gray/" target="_blank">ended in a mistrial</a> in December, and he had been scheduled to be retried before prosecutors dropped the charges against him. Porter was summoned by the van's driver to check on Gray during stops on the way to a police station. Prosecutors said Porter should have called a medic for Gray sooner than one was eventually called, and they said he also should have ensured that Gray was wearing a seat belt. Porter had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.
William Porter was the first of the six officers to face a trial. It ended in a mistrial in December, and he had been scheduled to be retried before prosecutors dropped the charges against him. Porter was summoned by the van's driver to check on Gray during stops on the way to a police station. Prosecutors said Porter should have called a medic for Gray sooner than one was eventually called, and they said he also should have ensured that Gray was wearing a seat belt. Porter had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.
Baltimore Police Department
<strong>Edward Nero</strong>, one of three bike officers involved in the initial police encounter with Gray, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/23/us/freddie-gray-trial-officer-edward-nero/" target="_blank">was found not guilty</a> of all charges in May. He was accused of second-degree intentional assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Edward Nero, one of three bike officers involved in the initial police encounter with Gray, was found not guilty of all charges in May. He was accused of second-degree intentional assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Baltimore Police Department
<strong>Garrett Miller</strong> was another one of the bike officers involved in Gray's arrest. He placed Gray in a restraining technique known as a "leg lace" before Gray was placed in the van, said Marilyn Mosby, the state's attorney for Baltimore. All charges were dropped against Miller, who had been indicted on charges of second-degree intentional assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Garrett Miller was another one of the bike officers involved in Gray's arrest. He placed Gray in a restraining technique known as a "leg lace" before Gray was placed in the van, said Marilyn Mosby, the state's attorney for Baltimore. All charges were dropped against Miller, who had been indicted on charges of second-degree intentional assault, two counts of misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Baltimore Police Department
Sgt. <strong>Alicia White</strong> was present during one of the stops to check on Gray's condition. She and two other officers saw Gray unresponsive on the floor of the van, and when White spoke to Gray and he did not respond, she allegedly did nothing to help him, prosecutors said. All charges were dropped against White, who had been indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree negligent assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Sgt. Alicia White was present during one of the stops to check on Gray's condition. She and two other officers saw Gray unresponsive on the floor of the van, and when White spoke to Gray and he did not respond, she allegedly did nothing to help him, prosecutors said. All charges were dropped against White, who had been indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree negligent assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Baltimore Police Department
Baltimore police officers in Freddie Gray case

Story highlights

Police union: Officers "are innocent until proven guilty"

A grand jury indicts six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray

The officers' arraignment is set for July 2

CNN  — 

Six Baltimore police officers were indicted Thursday on charges connected to the death of Freddie Gray.

The indictments came after prosecutors presented evidence to a grand jury for two weeks, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said.

Gray’s death last month after allegedly suffering a devastating spinal injury while in police custody sparked protests and riots in Baltimore.

The six officers face charges that, if they are convicted, could lead to decades in prison, based on their alleged actions that day. Among them: Illegal arrest, misconduct, assault and involuntary manslaughter.

Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., who prosecutors say was driving the van used to transport Gray after his arrest, faces the most charges, and the most severe: second-degree depraved heart murder.

The list of charges in the indictments the grand jury returned differs slightly from charges Mosby announced earlier this month; all six of the officers now face charges of reckless endangerment, and several other allegations have been removed.

“As our investigation has continued, additional information has been discovered, and as is often the case during an ongoing investigation, charges can and should be revised based upon the evidence,” she said.

Marilyn Mosby Baltimore City State's Attorney Lead pkg 05 07
video

Related video Baltimore police officers indicted

Mosby didn’t take questions at the press conference and didn’t go into details about what additional evidence had come to light.

The officers are scheduled to be arraigned on July 2, she said.

Mosby’s announcement earlier this month that charges had been filed against the officers brought cheers from protesters and words of protest from the police union.

Attorneys for the officers have called for Mosby to be taken off the case, arguing that she has conflicts of interest – an accusation Mosby denies.

In a statement after the officers’ indictments, the police union called for the community to support police, noting that thousands of men and women in the department protect and serve the city’s neighborhoods

“All citizens are innocent until proven guilty, including these six officers,” Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police President Gene Ryan said.

A lawyer representing Sgt. Alicia White, who faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, assault, misconduct and reckless endangerment, denied the accusations.

“I look forward to trying this case against Marilyn Mosby herself and proving Alicia White is innocent,” attorney Ivan Bates said.

Complete coverage on Freddie Gray’s death

People hold hands during a rally at Baltimore City Hall on Sunday, May 3. The death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody, sparked rioting in Baltimore and protests <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/30/us/gallery/freddie-gray-protests-across-us/index.html" target="_blank">across the country</a>.
People hold hands during a rally at Baltimore City Hall on Sunday, May 3. The death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody, sparked rioting in Baltimore and protests across the country.
David Goldman/AP
Members of the National Guard board a truck at an armory staging area on May 3 in Baltimore. After a night of relatively peaceful protests, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/03/us/freddie-gray-baltimore-protests/index.html">the city lifted a curfew</a>, the National Guard is preparing its exit and a mall that had been a flashpoint in the protests has been reopened.
Members of the National Guard board a truck at an armory staging area on May 3 in Baltimore. After a night of relatively peaceful protests, the city lifted a curfew, the National Guard is preparing its exit and a mall that had been a flashpoint in the protests has been reopened.
David Goldman/AP
Medics take a man away after police pepper-sprayed him on Saturday, May 2, in Baltimore's Sandtown neighborhood where Freddie Gray was arrested in April.
Medics take a man away after police pepper-sprayed him on Saturday, May 2, in Baltimore's Sandtown neighborhood where Freddie Gray was arrested in April.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Police detain a man on May 2 in Baltimore's Sandtown neighborhood.
Police detain a man on May 2 in Baltimore's Sandtown neighborhood.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Protesters hold signs on May 2 in the Sandtown neighborhood.
Protesters hold signs on May 2 in the Sandtown neighborhood.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Protesters march from the Gilmor Homes housing community, where Freddie Gray was arrested, to City Hall on Saturday, May 2, in Baltimore.
Protesters march from the Gilmor Homes housing community, where Freddie Gray was arrested, to City Hall on Saturday, May 2, in Baltimore.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Police in riot gear enforce a 10 p.m. curfew and clear Baltimore streets of protesters and media on Friday, May 1.
Police in riot gear enforce a 10 p.m. curfew and clear Baltimore streets of protesters and media on Friday, May 1.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, helps clear Baltimore streets of protesters on May 1.
U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, helps clear Baltimore streets of protesters on May 1.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Demonstrators celebrate the announcement that six officers were charged May 1 in Gray's death.
Demonstrators celebrate the announcement that six officers were charged May 1 in Gray's death.
David Goldman/AP
Demonstrators march through the streets of Baltimore after the charges against the officers were announced May 1.
Demonstrators march through the streets of Baltimore after the charges against the officers were announced May 1.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Police on horseback block a Baltimore street on May 1.
Police on horseback block a Baltimore street on May 1.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A demonstrator celebrates in Baltimore the charges were announced on May 1.
A demonstrator celebrates in Baltimore the charges were announced on May 1.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
A member of the National Guard stands outside Baltimore City Hall as protesters gather on Wednesday, April 29.
A member of the National Guard stands outside Baltimore City Hall as protesters gather on Wednesday, April 29.
Patrick Semansky/AP
High school and college students march from Baltimore's Penn Station to City Hall on April 29.
High school and college students march from Baltimore's Penn Station to City Hall on April 29.
Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A community organizer later identified as Joseph Kent paces in front of riot police with his hands up during a curfew in Baltimore on Tuesday, April 28. Moments later, he was seen being <a href="http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/04/29/ctn-live-cuomo-baltimore-joseph-kent-arrested.cnn">arrested by police live on CNN</a>. Kent's lawyer said on April 30 that his client had been released from jail. While some protesters defied the curfew and faced off with police, demonstrations Tuesday were largely peaceful.
A community organizer later identified as Joseph Kent paces in front of riot police with his hands up during a curfew in Baltimore on Tuesday, April 28. Moments later, he was seen being arrested by police live on CNN. Kent's lawyer said on April 30 that his client had been released from jail. While some protesters defied the curfew and faced off with police, demonstrations Tuesday were largely peaceful.
JOHN TAGGART/EPA/LANDOV
State Sen. Catherine E. Pugh embraces a protester while urging the crowd to disperse ahead of the 10 p.m. curfew.
State Sen. Catherine E. Pugh embraces a protester while urging the crowd to disperse ahead of the 10 p.m. curfew.
David Goldman/AP
People attempt to stop protesters from approaching a police line on April 28.
People attempt to stop protesters from approaching a police line on April 28.
Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A Baltimore police captain tries to calm a protester on April 28.
A Baltimore police captain tries to calm a protester on April 28.
Mark Makela/Getty Images
Two women sweep up the streets in Baltimore -- reflected in the broken window of a storefront on April 28. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/29/us/gallery/baltimore-protests-cleanup/index.html">See more photos of the cleanup efforts.</a>
Two women sweep up the streets in Baltimore -- reflected in the broken window of a storefront on April 28. See more photos of the cleanup efforts.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
A band plays music during protests on April 28 in Baltimore.
A band plays music during protests on April 28 in Baltimore.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
A boy in Baltimore offers water to a police officer on April 28.
A boy in Baltimore offers water to a police officer on April 28.
Bishop Cromartie
Jerrie Mckenny, left, and her sister Tia Sexton embrace as demonstrators hold hands and sing the hymn "Amazing Grace" in Baltimore on April 28.
Jerrie Mckenny, left, and her sister Tia Sexton embrace as demonstrators hold hands and sing the hymn "Amazing Grace" in Baltimore on April 28.
Matt Rourke/AP
Demonstrators stand in front of a police line and call for peace after a bottle was thrown on April 28.
Demonstrators stand in front of a police line and call for peace after a bottle was thrown on April 28.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
Maryland National Guardsmen patrol the streets on April 28.
Maryland National Guardsmen patrol the streets on April 28.
Patrick Semansky/AP
The remains of a senior center smolder on April 28. Riots broke out Monday, April 27, after<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/27/us/gallery/freddie-gray-funeral/index.html"> Freddie Gray's funeral</a>.
The remains of a senior center smolder on April 28. Riots broke out Monday, April 27, after Freddie Gray's funeral.
Mark Makela/Getty Images
Police retreat from burned-out cars in an intersection on Monday, April 27.
Police retreat from burned-out cars in an intersection on Monday, April 27.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Firefighters respond to a burning building during the riots late April 27.
Firefighters respond to a burning building during the riots late April 27.
JOHN TAGGART/EPA/LANDOV
A police officer walks by a burning building on April 27.
A police officer walks by a burning building on April 27.
Matt Rourke/AP
Police stand guard on April 27.
Police stand guard on April 27.
Matt Rourk/AP
Protesters climb on a destroyed Baltimore Police car in the street near the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues on April 27.
Protesters climb on a destroyed Baltimore Police car in the street near the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues on April 27.
Chip SomodevillaGetty Images
A mixture of milk and water rolls down a man's chest after he was pepper sprayed by the Baltimore Police April 27.
A mixture of milk and water rolls down a man's chest after he was pepper sprayed by the Baltimore Police April 27.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A man rides a bicycle through heavy smoke emitting from a nearby store on fire April 27.
A man rides a bicycle through heavy smoke emitting from a nearby store on fire April 27.
Patrick Semansky/AP
A man shouts for calm as protesters clash with police April 27.
A man shouts for calm as protesters clash with police April 27.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Police carry an injured officer from the streets near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27.
Police carry an injured officer from the streets near Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
People carrying goods leave a CVS pharmacy near Pennsylvania and North avenues on April 27.
People carrying goods leave a CVS pharmacy near Pennsylvania and North avenues on April 27.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A demonstrator raises his fist as police stand in formation on April 27.
A demonstrator raises his fist as police stand in formation on April 27.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Armored cars drive down Pennsylvania Avenue as looters break into shops on April 27.
Armored cars drive down Pennsylvania Avenue as looters break into shops on April 27.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
People lock arms and form a line opposing police at the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues on April 27.
People lock arms and form a line opposing police at the corner of Pennsylvania and North avenues on April 27.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Police form a barrier between protesters and a burning CVS being attended to by firefighters on April 27.
Police form a barrier between protesters and a burning CVS being attended to by firefighters on April 27.
Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun/TNS via Getty Images
People carry goods out of a CVS pharmacy on April 27.
People carry goods out of a CVS pharmacy on April 27.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A police vehicle burns April 27.
A police vehicle burns April 27.
Patrick Semansky/AP
A police officer throws an object at protesters on April 27.
A police officer throws an object at protesters on April 27.
Patrick Semansky/AP
A man carries items from a store as police vehicles burn on April 27.
A man carries items from a store as police vehicles burn on April 27.
Patrick Semansky/AP
A police officer checks on a man who was injured on April 27.
A police officer checks on a man who was injured on April 27.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A police officer is carried to safety after being hit in the head with a rock during the riot on April 27.
A police officer is carried to safety after being hit in the head with a rock during the riot on April 27.
NOAH SCIALOM/EPA/Landov
A police officer uses pepper spray on rioters on April 27.
A police officer uses pepper spray on rioters on April 27.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
Police officers push back a protester on April 27.
Police officers push back a protester on April 27.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Police react during the riot on April 27.
Police react during the riot on April 27.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Baltimore police officers in riot gear look toward protesters near Mondawmin Mall on April 27.
Baltimore police officers in riot gear look toward protesters near Mondawmin Mall on April 27.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts chases away protesters in a parking lot on April 27.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts chases away protesters in a parking lot on April 27.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A woman abandons her car in the middle of an intersection as Baltimore Police officers clash with protesters outside the Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27.
A woman abandons her car in the middle of an intersection as Baltimore Police officers clash with protesters outside the Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore on April 27.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Police handle the protesters during a riot on April 27.
Police handle the protesters during a riot on April 27.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A demonstrator taunts police on April 27.
A demonstrator taunts police on April 27.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Protesters stand off with police during a march in honor of Gray in Baltimore on Saturday, April 25.
Protesters stand off with police during a march in honor of Gray in Baltimore on Saturday, April 25.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
A protester throws a barricade at a bar near Oriole Park at Camden Yards after a rally on April 25.
A protester throws a barricade at a bar near Oriole Park at Camden Yards after a rally on April 25.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Protesters chase after a car as it drives in reverse after the rally on April 25.
Protesters chase after a car as it drives in reverse after the rally on April 25.
Patrick Semansky/AP
A protester breaks a store window after the rally in Baltimore on April 25.
A protester breaks a store window after the rally in Baltimore on April 25.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Protesters get into a shoving match with police during a march downtown on April 25.
Protesters get into a shoving match with police during a march downtown on April 25.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Protesters and police square off April 25.
Protesters and police square off April 25.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Protesters drive through the Camden Yards area on April 25.
Protesters drive through the Camden Yards area on April 25.
Gail Burton/AP
Members of the Baltimore Police Department stand guard Thursday, April 23, outside the department's Western District station during a protest.
Members of the Baltimore Police Department stand guard Thursday, April 23, outside the department's Western District station during a protest.
Patrick Semansky/AP
A police officer films protesters from the steps of the Western District station on April 23.
A police officer films protesters from the steps of the Western District station on April 23.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Empowerment Temple Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant speaks in front of City Hall in Baltimore on April 23.
Empowerment Temple Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant speaks in front of City Hall in Baltimore on April 23.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators put their fists in the air during a protest outside the Baltimore police's Western District station on Wednesday, April 22.
Demonstrators put their fists in the air during a protest outside the Baltimore police's Western District station on Wednesday, April 22.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Hundreds of demonstrators march toward the Western District station on April 22.
Hundreds of demonstrators march toward the Western District station on April 22.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
People march through the streets of Baltimore on April 22.
People march through the streets of Baltimore on April 22.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Demonstrators argue with Baltimore officers during the protest on April 22.
Demonstrators argue with Baltimore officers during the protest on April 22.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A woman is comforted during the protest on April 22.
A woman is comforted during the protest on April 22.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Baltimore protests

CNN’s Carolyn Sung, Kevin Conlon and Wesley Bruer contributed to this report.