News

Actions

Closing arguments wrap up in Baltimore police officer's trial

Posted at
and last updated
Both sides finished their closing arguments in the trial of a Baltimore police officer charged with murder in the death of a black prisoner whose neck was broken in a transport van.

Judge Barry Williams will deliver a verdict at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Attorneys made their arguments Monday morning in the case against Officer Caesar Goodson, who was the driver of the van.

Prosecutors contend Goodson gave a rough ride to 25-year-old Freddie Gray when he was handcuffed and shackled in the back of the van. Defense attorneys say Goodson did nothing wrong.

Deputy State's Attorney Janice Bledsoe cited a previous Supreme Court decision stating prisoner safety is duty of officer.

"Goodson ignored the order and ignored his training," Bledsoe said.


She argued Goodson failed to get Gray medical help, even after several opportunities.

Defense attorney Michael Frailing compared the state's case to a game of 3 Card Monty, where state is constantly changing and shuffling.

Because Gray was so combative when he was arrested, Frailing said, Goodson had reason to be nervous about securing him in the back of the van.

Goodson declined to testify on his behalf Friday, when testimony ended on the seventh day of the trial.

Judge Barry Williams is presiding over the bench trial. Prosecutors have yet to win a conviction in the case.

Goodson is the third of six officers charged in the case.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
 

Download the ABC2 News app for the iPhone, Kindle and Android