Live coverage: First hearing in Freddie Gray case begins in Baltimore
After months of sharply worded motions by prosecutors and defense attorneys, legal questions surrounding the officers charged in Freddie Gray's arrest and death will be aired publicly for the first time in a solemn, wood-paneled courtroom in downtown Baltimore.
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So, what happened today?
A judge ordered that six Baltimore Police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray be tried separately.
The ruling was one of three that Judge Barry Williams handed down during the first pre-trial motions hearing in the case. Williams earlier denied defense motions to dismiss charges against the officers and to recuse State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby's office from the case.
Prosecutors sought to have the six officers tried in groups, while defense attorneys had argued their clients should be tried separately.
Williams said trying the officers together would not be "in the interest of justice."
What does that mean?
Not much at this point — Mosby's office is still handling the case, which still includes all the charges initially filed against the officers. There will be six trials, which is what the defense attorneys requested. Prosecutors had asked for two groupings.
What happens next?
The sides are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 10, where they are expected to argue a motion to move the officers' trials out of Baltimore. A trial date has been scheduled for Oct. 13, though that could change as the individual motions are considered by the judge. -
Judge denies motion to dismiss charges against Baltimore officers, recuse Marilyn Mosby from #FreddieGray case. bsun.md/1PLsZQ2by baltimoresun via twitter edited by Pete Sweigard 9/2/2015 9:41:56 PM -
by baltimoresun via twitter edited by Pete Sweigard 9/2/2015 9:41:43 PM
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Heavy traffic expected as Freddie Gray hearings begin; city prepares for protests
baltimoresun.comMotorists and downtown workers should expect heavy traffic, possible road closures and bus delays Wednesday as the first hearing in the death of Freddie Gray opens at the Baltimore courthouse, transportation officials said Tuesday. -
Mayor Rawlings-Blake talks Freddie Gray case, riots, her legacy on 98 Rock
baltimoresun.comMayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake conducted a phone interview with 98 Rock's morning show Tuesday, discussing her legacy, the impending Freddie Gray hearings and Baltimore's riots. -
.@mayorsrb spokesman: Mayor is "aware of the magnitude" of the Gray case, but expects city government will go on. bsun.md/1UriLpq
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A few folks with "Indict Convict Jail!" signs outside the courthouse http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5V5IdWsAAbkqG.jpg
by Jessica Anderson via twitter 9/2/2015 11:50:16 AM -
Will there be protests?
The Baltimore People's Power Assembly, an organization known for its protests against alleged police brutality, is planning the demonstration in front of the courthouse at 8 a.m. More of what you need to know. -
Signs going up http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5WYX_WUAAKFhS.jpg
by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 11:52:27 AM -
A few protesters here so far outside Baltimore Circuit Court for #FreddieGray hearing. More media than anything. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5XGLRVAAEOl3x.jpg
by Kevin Rector via twitter 9/2/2015 11:55:38 AM -
There's a pretty short public line. But this is the media line. Media had to pre-register. #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5YBGPWgAAh-G6.jpg
by Kevin Rector via twitter 9/2/2015 11:59:41 AM -
Still about an 8:1 ratio of media to protestors http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5Y51uWIAA_ea6.jpg
by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 12:03:29 PM -
A few protesters posted at corner of Lexington and Calvert streets. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5ZJx9WUAAlWpW.jpg
by Jessica Anderson via twitter 9/2/2015 12:04:31 PM -
There's a pretty short public line. But this is the media line. Media had to pre-register. #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5YBGPWgAAh-G6.jpg
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Are any street closures in effect?
Not as of Tuesday afternoon. But officials anticipate heavy traffic and delays downtown — specifically around the court house. More of what you need to know. -
What are the charges against the police officers?
Officer Caesar R. Goodson, the driver of the van used to transport Gray, is charged with second-degree depraved-heart murder, the most serious charge among the six officers. He also is charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, two counts of vehicular manslaughter and misconduct in office.
Three officers, Officer William G. Porter, Lt. Brian W. Rice, and Sgt. Alicia D. White, face involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office charges. Officers Edward M. Nero and Garrett E. Miller are charged with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
All six officers have pleaded not guilty.
Could those charges be dropped?
The judge will begin to assess that at Wednesday's hearing.
More of what you need to know. -
Sheriffs deputies in vests outside courthouse #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5djbsWIAA-mj4.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:23:45 PM -
How would the cases be split?
Nobody knows. Prosecutors have previously said they would like to try four officers — Nero, Miller, Goodson and White — together. They would try the other two — Lt. Brian Rice and Officer William Porter — together in another trial.
The defense attorneys have said they want their clients charged separately.
More of what you need to know. -
"We want justice, we want peace, jail killer police!" Protestors chant http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5d3AtXAAAP8yL.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:25:05 PM -
People in public line getting tickets now, too. Would be confusing for people coming to court for other reasons. #FreddieGrayby Kevin Rector via twitter 9/2/2015 12:25:36 PM
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"Tell the truth and stop the lies, Freddie Gray didn't have to die" protestors chant outside courthouse #FreddieGrayby Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:25:58 PM
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Are the officers expected to attend the hearing?
All six officers have filed waivers of their right to appear, an indication that they intend not to. -
Protesters chanting "if we don't get no justice they don't get no peace."by Jessica Anderson via twitter 9/2/2015 12:31:40 PM
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I'm going to stop tweeting as heading into court. Will tweet again next chance I have. #FreddieGray Here for updates: bsun.md/liveby Kevin Rector via twitter 9/2/2015 12:34:07 PM
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"Tell the truth and stop the lies/Freddie Gray didn't have to die."by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 12:34:29 PM
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I'm going to stop tweeting as heading into court. Will tweet again next chance I have. #FreddieGray Here for updates: bsun.md/live
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"Freddie, Freddie,Freddie!" Protestors outside courthouse #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5gP4VWwAAVf-0.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:35:33 PM -
The story that started what's happening today: April 19, Freddie Gray dies a week after being injured during arrest
baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/…by Kalani via twitter 9/2/2015 12:35:54 PM -
Spoke to one West Baltimore resident waiting in line to watch motions hearing. Said Mosby is an elected official, not fair to recuse her.by Jessica Anderson via twitter 9/2/2015 12:37:07 PM
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About 30 people protesting, surrounded by media http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5gmx9XAAAhNzK.jpg
by Justin Fenton via twitter 9/2/2015 12:37:10 PM -
People who aren't registered to be at motions get red tickets to attend hearing http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5hE3bWoAALGn2.jpg
by Jessica Anderson via twitter 9/2/2015 12:39:18 PM -
What are other key dates in the case?
The sides are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 10, where they are expected to argue a motion to move the officers' trials out of Baltimore. A trial date has been scheduled for Oct. 13, though that could change as the individual motions are considered by the judge. -
Tawanda Jones, sister of Tyrone West, praises Marilyn Mosby for "doing her job." #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5jppEWsAAPA86.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:50:23 PM -
Tawanda Jones, sister of Tyrone West addressing the crowd. Background on West case: articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-12-19/new… http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5kGIeUwAEaADg.jpg
by Jessica Anderson via twitter 9/2/2015 12:52:35 PM -
Workers close traffic lane outside courthouse. #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5kl2FWEAAwo-f.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:54:29 PM -
How did we get to this point?
Freddie Gray, 25, was arrested on April 12 and suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in police custody. He died a week later. His funeral on April 27 was followed by citywide rioting, looting and arson. On May 1, Mosby announced criminal charges against the six officers from the stairs of the Baltimore War Memorial. Later that month, the six officers were indicted by a grand jury.
More of what you need to know. -
Now there's about one camera per protestor. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5k-n7WgAQBmZ_.jpg
by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 12:56:15 PM -
Traffic closure at Fayette and Calvert. #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5lHrPWwAA8GuD.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 12:56:48 PM -
People in the courthouse are watching and pic-taking from the windows http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5lWmjWcAA5EH1.jpg
by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 12:57:49 PM -
The right lane on Calvert Street is blocked off now http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5lv7SWIAA1sKM.jpg
by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 12:59:54 PM -
Protestors calling the blocked off streets a victory for them, but also an impediment to others joining.by Jon Sham via twitter 9/2/2015 1:02:59 PM
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Sheriff's deputies watch outside Baltimore courthouse #FreddieGray http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5oCk5WcAAznZR.jpg
by Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 1:09:34 PM -
And the padlocked corrections bus is parked by the courthouse. Baltimore. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN5pAE6UAAAOBF5.jpg
by deray mckesson via twitter 9/2/2015 1:15:05 PM -
Chant at courthouse: "Books not bombs, schools not jails" #FreddieGrayby Alison Knezevich via twitter 9/2/2015 1:20:27 PM
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The West Baltimore CVS that was looted and burned in the riots over the death of #FreddieGray has been demolished. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CN2RgAlUEAAoHuu.jpg
by Colin Campbell via twitter 9/2/2015 1:21:44 PM