The trial for Officer Caesar Goodson, who faces the most serious charge in the death of Freddie Gray, began Thursday.
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On Thursday, the trial began with defense attorneys requesting the charges against Goodson be thrown out, based partly on allegations that prosecutors withheld details about authorities’ interview with a potential witness who also rode in the van with Gray before his death. Williams said Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Michael Schatzow has until Monday to turn over any other exculpatory materials or “there will be sanctions”.
The trial is being closely watched, not just because Goodson is considered the most culpable of the officers but because prosecutors have yet to secure a conviction in the death that convulsed the city and led to the calling in of the National Guard.
Goodson faces charges alleging second-degree depraved-heart murder, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter by vehicles (gross negligence), manslaughter by vehicle (criminal negligence) and reckless endangerment.
Defense attorneys are disputing allegations that a police van driver deliberately injured Freddie Gray by giving the young black man a rough ride in the back of the van.
In his opening statement, Graham, Goodson’s attorney, said his client faces “the most aggressive and most unfair” of the charges placed against officers in the case.
Prosecutor Michael Schatzow said Goodson had run a stop sign and crossed the street’s center line.
Goodson, one of six officers charged in Gray’s arrest and death, is the only one to face a murder charge. At the morning hearing prior to the trial, Williams determined that prosecutors had committed a violation by not disclosing a meeting they had with Allen in May 2015, in the presence of his attorney. Goodson knew he was not in danger from Gray and should have put a seat belt on the prisoner, he said.
Graham told the judge that the assistant medical examiner who prepared Gray’s autopsy report and ruled his death a homicide initially told an investigator that it was “a freakish accident” before meeting with prosecutors and changing her mind.
The defense argued that Gray kicked and banged around in the back of the van. Allen was picked up by the Baltimore police van after Gray. He disputed the accusations of a rough ride.
Accused: Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., 46, is seen leaving the courthouse after the first day of his trial.
Goodson has also selected a bench trial, waiving his right to a jury.
“He did his job, and he followed instructions”, Graham said.
In December, the judge declared a mistrial after a jury deadlocked in the case of William Porter, the first officer on trial in connection with the arrest and death of Gray.
Gray died April 19 of past year, a week after he suffered a critical spinal injury in Goodson’s wagon.
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Three other officers have yet to stand trial – Officer Garrett Miller, Lt. Brian Rice and Sgt. Alicia White.
