News / Human Rights

Six Baltimore officers charged in Freddie Gray death: Prosecutor

Friday, 01 May 2015 3:08 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 03 May 2015 2:40 AM ]

Baltimore prosecutor Marilyn Mosby announces criminal charges against all six officers suspended after Freddie Gray suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. (AFP photo)

Baltimore's chief prosecutor says a total of six police officers have been charged in the high-profile death of Freddie Gray whose spine was nearly severed while under police custody.

State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby told reporters on Friday that her office's investigation determined that Gray's death was a homicide, adding that his arrest was illegal and his treatment in custody amounted to murder and manslaughter.

"The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation, coupled with the medical examiner's determination that Mr. Gray's death was a homicide, which we received today, has led us to believe that we have probable cause to file criminal charges," Mosby said.

Prosecutors charged the officers, including a lieutenant and a sergeant, with multiple counts including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the killing of the 25-year-old African American, who died of severe spinal injuries on April 19, a week after he was arrested and detained by police.

“I assured his family that no one is above the law and I would pursue justice on their behalf,” Mosby said.

She said warrants have been issued for the arrest of the Baltimore Police Department officers over the deadly incident, which sparked days of protests across the United States.

People protesting the death of Freddie Gray and demanding police accountability move into the streets in the Sandtown neighborhood where Gray was arrested on April 30, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (AFP photo)

On Thursday night, thousands of Americans again took to the streets to protest the killing of Gray.

The demonstrators were carrying placards bearing the message “Black Lives Matter”, “Justice 4 Freddie Gray” and "End Police Brutality Now".

The protesters were also chanting slogans against racial discrimination and police brutality in the United States, with many shouting “No Justice No Peace,” which has become a centerpiece of the persisting protests over the past several days.

Scuffles between police and protesters broke out in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Several protesters were reportedly injured.

Protests in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Oakland, California, are scheduled for Friday, which is also May Day, or International Workers Day.

GJH/GJH

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