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BALTIMORE (AP) -- State prosecutors announced they will dismiss one of the misconduct in office charges brought against Lt. Brian Rice in the Freddie Gray case. Opening statements wrapped Thursday morning.
Lt. Rice faces criminal charges stemming from the arrest and death of a young black prisoner whose neck was broken in the back of a transport wagon.
Opening arguments over. State announces that it will NOT be prosecuting one of the Misconduct in Office charges. @ABC2NEWS
— Brendan McNamara (@BrendanABC2) July 7, 2016
Rice faced manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and two misconduct in office charges stemming from the April 19, 2015, death of Freddie Gray.
Rice opted for a judge trial. He is the fourth of six officers -- three white and three black -- to stand trial. Last month two other officers were acquitted, and the proceedings for another officer ended in a mistrial in December.
Defense says case rests on 3 factors: The crowd at arrest, Grays combativeness, confined space of transport van. @ABC2NEWS
— Brendan McNamara (@BrendanABC2) July 7, 2016
State argument: Lt. Rice knew better than most officers that he should have seat belted Gray. @ABC2NEWS
— Brendan McNamara (@BrendanABC2) July 7, 2016
Defense: Rice's 9 second decision on danger presented by Freddie Gray does not constitute criminal negligence. @ABC2NEWS
— Brendan McNamara (@BrendanABC2) July 7, 2016
Gray's death prompted protests and rioting across Baltimore and added fuel to the national Black Lives Matter movement.
ABC2 News contributed to this report.
