Officer William Porter trial: Freddie Gray case live coverage
Thanks for following our coverage of the trial of William Porter. We'll resume coverage on this live blog when new developments in the case occur.
A mistrial was declared Wednesday in the trial of Baltimore Police Officer William G. Porter, after jurors told Judge Barry G. Williams they could not reach a verdict on any of the four charges. Officer Porter is one of six Baltimore Police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray. Updates from the courthouse are from Kevin Rector, Ian Duncan and Justin Fenton, unless otherwise noted.
Full coverage: Freddie Gray trials | Charges, timeline | Key people | Timeline | Newsletter
Full coverage: Freddie Gray trials | Charges, timeline | Key people | Timeline | Newsletter
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Here's a look at those deliberations and what they involve (via @pwoodreporter): baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/…by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/15/2015 2:02:25 PM -
The jury in Off. William Porter's trial asked to resume deliberations today at 8:30 a.m. It's unknown how long deliberations will last.by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/15/2015 2:02:24 PM
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What to expect from Porter jury deliberations: If convicted, what sentence would Porter face?The most serious charge, involuntary manslaughter, carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Second-degree assault also carries a sentence of up to 10 years, and reckless endangerment carries a sentence of up to five years.Misconduct in office has no penalty prescribed in Maryland law, and the sentence is up to the judge's discretion.Porter has been free on bail since he was charged on May 1. If he is convicted, his lawyers will likely argue that he should remain free until sentencing.
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What to expect from Porter jury deliberations: What if the jury can't reach a verdict on all charges?If the jury sends word to the judge saying they can't reach a verdict, he will encourage them to keep trying. If the jury still can't reach a verdict, the case could be set for a retrial.If jurors reach a verdict on some charges but not others, the court can accept those verdicts and prosecutors may re-try the other charges, Dillard said. A hung jury is possible in complex cases such as Porter's, she said.The judge told jurors not to send him notes to report progress. He said he does not want to hear from them until they have a unanimous verdict.
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What to expect from Porter jury deliberations: How long will it take?Though there's no way to know how long it will take jurors to reach a verdict. "I would anticipate this one could take a while because there's a lot for them to discuss," said J. Amy Dillard, associate professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law.Kurt Nachtman, a former Baltimore prosecutor who now practices criminal defense, said seemingly simple cases can lead to several days of deliberations, while complex cases can go quickly.This jury's main challenge will be to sort through conflicting testimony over whether Porter's actions and failures to act to help Gray meet the legal standard of gross negligence — necessary to convict him of involuntary manslaughter.One person will be designated as jury foreman, but that person's opinion does not carry extra weight.
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What to expect from Porter jury deliberations: What's it like for the jury?The unnamed 12 jurors — four black women, three black men, three white women and two white men — are deliberating alone in a room in the courthouse. They have a copy of the jury instructions, pieces of evidence and a computer to replay video evidence. Their phones were collected, and they are not allowed to use electronic devices during deliberations.Judge Barry G. Williams told the jurors they can take as long as they need to reach a verdict, and cautioned them to review the evidence carefully."You should not be swayed by sympathy, prejudice or public opinion," he said.
The jurors began deliberations at 2:30 p.m. Monday and wrapped up for the day about three hours later. They planned to resume at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.The jurors are not sequestered — they can go home at night. Since the beginning of the trial, they have been instructed not to talk about the case and to avoid media coverage.Jurors in Baltimore are paid $15 per day, according to the court website. Jurors are offered discounts for parking and lunch, though it's likely meals will be brought to the jurors during deliberations. -
DAY ELEVEN
Prosecutors told jurors Monday that Officer William G. Porter's failure to help Freddie Gray turned a police van into a "casket on wheels," while Porter's defense attorneys said the state's case was based on theories and asks jurors to make too many assumptions.
- A jury of seven women and five men began deliberating after two weeks of testimony in a case in which prosecutors say Porter's failure to act rose to criminal neglect.
- The jurors were sent home before 6 p.m., after deliberating for about three hours, and were due back Tuesday morning.
- In closing arguments, Chief Deputy State's Attorney Michael Schatzow accused Porter of lying in his account and suggested a "coverup."
- Defense attorney Joseph Murtha said prosecutors failed to reach high legal thresholds required to convict.
- Police have canceled all leave for the week, while the school system sent a letter to parents warning against student demonstrations, disorder or violence.
- Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also activated an emergency operations center.
- Before closing arguments, Judge Barry G. Williams instructed the jury on the legal requirements for finding Porter guilty. Williams slowed and looked at the jury as he told them: "You should not be swayed by sympathy, prejudice or public opinion."
- To find Porter guilty of involuntary manslaughter, the judge told jurors, they must find that Porter acted in a "grossly negligent manner" and was aware of the risk to Gray and acted with a "reckless or wanton disregard for human life." Jurors also must find that his conduct was a "gross departure" from what a "reasonable police officer" in a similar situation would do.
- On the charge of misconduct in office, jurors must find that Porter "corruptly failed to do an act required by his duties" and that it was "not a mere error in judgment" but involved an "evil motive and bad faith," the judge said. One of the first questions from jurors after they had begun deliberating was for further explanation of those terms.
- To prove reckless endangerment, Bledsoe argued that Porter's inaction created risk for Gray; Gray's injuries from that reckless endangerment became second-degree assault; and his death from that assault was involuntary manslaughter. -
Closing arguments completed in Porter trial, jury in deliberations
Prosecutors told jurors Monday that Officer William G. Porter's failure to help Freddie Gray turned a police van into a "casket on wheels," while Porter's defense attorneys said the state's case was based on theories and asks jurors to make too many assumptions.
A jury of seven women and five men began deliberating after two weeks of testimony in a case in which prosecutors say Porter's failure to act rose to criminal neglect. The jurors were sent home before 6 p.m., after deliberating for about three hours, and were due back Tuesday morning.
Read the full story on Monday's proceedings. -
NEW: Links to Sun coverageAlso see -
What happens if the Porter jury can't reach a verdict? How long will deliberations take? What to expect: bsun.md/1P3Iq90by baltimoresun via twitter 12/15/2015 2:44:13 AM -
And jury consultant Melissa Gomez says of how jury decides: “It’s all about the personality of the individuals in the room."by Pamela Wood via twitter 12/15/2015 2:31:55 AM -
For example, attorney Thomas Maronick said jury asking questions today shows "it's a jury that's ready to work." He predicts verdict Tues.by Pamela Wood via twitter 12/15/2015 2:21:27 AM
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Lots of smart people said lots of smart things about juries, but unf. it didn't all get into the final story. baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/…by Pamela Wood via twitter 12/15/2015 2:21:19 AM
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Good explainer from @pwoodreporter on what to expect as jury weighing Porter case deliberates baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/…by Ian Duncan via twitter 12/15/2015 2:20:59 AM -
by Baltimore Police via twitter retweeted by justin_fenton 12/15/2015 12:47:56 AM -
Filed for print: Wrapup of closing arguments in #PorterTrial as jury begins deliberations. Did state prove its case? fw.to/iZyFI3Zby Justin Fenton via twitter 12/14/2015 11:50:08 PM -
Updated story from @EricaLG with @ACLU_MD slamming schools letter: baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/… twitter.com/ACLU_MD/status…by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 11:38:34 PM
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Could read a lot or little into that first request from jurors. Did they go straight to misconduct, or working their way up from bottom?by Justin Fenton via twitter 12/14/2015 11:37:10 PM
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ACLU: Baltimore students have a “First Amendment right to state their opinion and organize in the community.” bsun.md/1jYZm3Aby Kim Walker via twitter 12/14/2015 11:34:00 PM -
If Porter is convicted this @BaltCitySchools letter could also end up an exhibit in defense appeal on argument change of venue was necessaryby Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 11:26:33 PM
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I wonder if any of the jurors are parents of @BaltCitySchools students and will be getting this letter tonight. baltimoresun.com/bal-document-c…by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 11:19:17 PM
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These are elements of misconduct in office RT @RectorSun Jurors asked for legal definitions of "evil motive," "bad faith" and "not honestly"by Justin Fenton via twitter 12/14/2015 11:16:13 PM
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“I have no doubt that we are prepared for any potential scenario,” mayor writes in email anticipating verdict. bsun.md/1SXiriJ
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by Erica L. Green via twitter 12/14/2015 10:47:12 PM -
It's a wrap for the day at court here in Baltimore. Outside, small contingent of protesters stand in the rain. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWOH91VUEAAEoo4.jpg
by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:47:05 PM -
by Luke Broadwater via twitter 12/14/2015 10:47:00 PM -
Jurors asked to start tomorrow at 8:30. Williams said that's fine; as soon as all 12 are in, they can start.by Kevin Rector via twitter retweeted by justin_fenton 12/14/2015 10:46:10 PM
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Jury also asked if jury room locked overnight. Williams says yes but cleaning crew allowed in.by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:40:24 PM
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Jurors asked to start tomorrow at 8:30. Williams said that's fine; as soon as all 12 are in, they can start.by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:39:41 PM
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As for legal definitions of terms, both sides agreed that jury will be told "the court has provided all of the information it can" already.by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:22:24 PM
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Jury won't get transcripts; they were only for demonstrative purposes. Will, "of course," be allowed to leave at 5:30, Williams said.by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:21:16 PM
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Jurors asked for legal definitions of "evil motive," "bad faith" and "not honestly." They also asked to go home at 5:30 pm today.by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:11:18 PM
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Jurors asked for transcripts of KGA radio tapes & Porter statement but those weren't submitted as evidence only intro'd for demon purposesby Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 10:09:45 PM
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"You should not be swayed by sympathy, prejudice or public opinion," judge tells jury, now in deliberations. bsun.md/1Nl0Gs8
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Remember the guy who ran from cops, tossed gun that went off in Penn North week after the riots? He's been sentenced bsun.md/1SXCFsH -
Frustration w/ sheriff's office's treatment today stems back to broader frustrations w/ press treatment in this case. Not indiv deputy issueby Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 8:40:16 PM
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Defense, prosecutors walk out of building separately. Bledsoe suggests sandwich place to Schatzow. Must be weight off after deliv'g closingsby Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 8:18:08 PM
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While prosecutors had hinted at it during trial, Chief Deputy State's Attorney Michael Schatzow directly accused Porter of lying about his account and suggested a "coverup."
Closing arguments complete in Porter trial, jury in deliberations
baltimoresun.comProsecutors said in closing arguments Monday that Officer William G. Porter 's failure to help Freddie Gray turned a police arrest van into a "casket on wheels," while Porter's defense attorneys said the state's case was based on theories and asks jurors to fill in the blanks. -
Letter has just been given to students warning them about the consequences of participating in protest. (pgrph 4) http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CWNep_lUYAAf7Qx.jpg
by Assatas Syllabus via twitter retweeted by justin_fenton 12/14/2015 8:07:39 PM -
And no I wasn't going to "hound" alternates. I was going to ask if they wanted to comment. If not, I leave. AKA my job. #fourthestateby Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 8:06:10 PM
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If they want to sneak alternates out in van from closed dock, their prerogative, but they cant unilaterally decide press freedoms dont existby Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 8:00:48 PM
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He tells me to go to the front of the courthouse where "press is supposed to be." Supposed to be?by Kevin Rector via twitter 12/14/2015 7:52:54 PM
