We should find out by the end of the day whether the trials of the six officers accused in the death of Freddie Gray will go off as scheduled. They sat together, occasionally talking with each other as well as their attorneys.
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His team said they needed time for further investigation of the case.
Trial is set to start on October 13. The officers looked calm and didn’t show much emotion although they did exchange conversation and a few smiles with each other and their attorneys.
A judge ruled previously that the six officers involved in Gray’s detainment would have separate trials in Baltimore. Williams set White’s trial for January 25, and Rice’s for March 9.
Williams cited the state’s need to try the officers in a specific order as his reason for granting the postponements over defense’s objections.
The defense in each case objected. The judge denied that request and scheduled their clients consistently after Porter’s trial.
Ivan Bates, an attorney for White, mentioned at the hearing his intention to file a new motion for reconsideration of the possible venue change but did not provide details. He said that could be determined only through the jury selection process.
Gray, a 25-year-old Baltimore man, was arrested in mid April and died a week later from what officials said was a spinal injury in police custody. His death prompted protests and rioting that shook the city and caused millions of dollars in damage, and has since come to symbolize the broken relationship between the police and the public in Baltimore, and the treatment of black men by police in America.
The officers were indicted in May and face charges ranging from second-degree assault to second-degree murder. White, Lt. Brian W. Rice and Porter are charged with manslaughter. Nero and Miller face second-degree assault and other charges.
Officer Edward Nero, 29, was on bicycle and arrested Gray in the 1700 block of Presbury Street; Nero is charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office. All have pleaded not guilty and are free on bail.
Porter was the only officer not attending Tuesday’s hearing.
Six Baltimore police officers are charged in the case. Rice held a yellow notepad.
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Prosecutors suggested in a letter to the judge that the state intends to call Porter to testify against Sgt. Alicia White, who faces the same charges he does, and Officer Caesar Goodson, who faces an additional “depraved-heart” murder charge.
