Baltimore's Badass Prosecutor Charges Freddie Gray Cops with Murder

Criminal charges will be filed against the six officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore state attorney Marilyn J. Mosby announced this afternoon.

During a news conference, Mosby declared that the officers who were involved in apprehending Gray and transporting him in a police vehicle without a seatbelt not only arrested Gray illegally, but also broke procedure throughout. Gray suffered a spinal cord injury in the process and later died from his injuries.

The currently suspended officers—Caesar R. Goodson Jr., William G. Porter, Brian W. Rice, Edward M. Nero, Garrett E. Miller and Alicia D . White—will face separate charges ranging from involuntary manslaughter to second-degree depraved heart murder.

Mosby started the conference by tipping a hat to both the protesters who’ve taken to the streets in the past week and to law enforcement. “To the thousands of city residents, community organizers, faith leaders and political leaders that chose to march peacefully throughout Baltimore, I commend your courage to stand for justice,” she said. “I also commend the brave men and women, both in uniform and out who have stepped up Monday night to protect our communities from those who wish to destroy it.”

Mosby then announced the findings of her unit’s independent investigation that started on April 13 and which involved viewing footage and interviewing witnesses.

Throughout the conference, Mosby spoke with an air of authority and clear purpose.

“My administration is committed to creating a fair and equitable justice system for all, no matter what your occupation, your age, your race, your color or your creed,” she said. “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 ended with a message, “To the youth of this city, I will seek justice on your behalf. This is a moment. This is your moment.”