Edward Nero, one of the Baltimore cops charged in connection with the 2015 death of Freddie Gray got an early Christmas present — he was acquitted on all charges in a bench trial presided over by circuit judge Barry Williams.
The judge’s ruling was swiftly denounced.
“We are disappointed in the decision of the court but unfortunately not surprised,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, president and founder of the National Action Network (NAN).
“As we have seen throughout the years, when officers opt for a trial by judge rather than by a jury, acquittal is the result. We have been through this with Sean Bell and far too many other cases in the past. This is exactly the reason we are calling for lowering the bar for federal prosecution, and greater involvement of the federal government in cases like this. In federal court, a jury trial cannot be waived without the consent of the prosecution – and we believe that is a fairer, more just process. We continue to stand with the Gray family as they fight for justice for their son.”
Gray died on April 19, 2015 as a result of injuries including a broken neck, sustained a week earlier, when Baltimore police officers chased him down and arrested him.
He was tossed into the back of a van on the floor with no restraints and his cries for help ignored.
Nero was charged with assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
“Baltimore Police Officer Edward Nero’s acquittal continues an alarming trend where no one is being held accountable for their crimes against the public,” said New York City Council member Jumaane D. Williams. “Freddie Gray died as the result of a broken spine that he sustained while in police custody. There’s no question that Officer Nero’s decision to ignore police rules and fail to place a seat belt on Gray led to his death. He had no regard for his safety. The message to everyone is that law enforcement in this country can do whatever they want, whenever they want without any consequences, regardless of how catastrophic their actions are.
Williams added: “I continue to be angered, frustrated and disappointed about the message these decisions send and the implications they give about the value of Black lives in America. As we rightfully continue the push to rebuild much needed trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, accountability must be paramount. If it is not, to everyone’s detriment, our efforts will not succeed. I will be following the cases of the other officers involved in Gray’s death closely. It’s my sincere hope that there will be accountability.”
Five other officers await trial in connection with Gray’s death. An earlier trial for officer William Porter ended in a hung jury.
Over his protest Maryland Court of Appeals has ruled that he can testify against the other fellow-officers when they’re tried.