Lt. Brian Rice Found Not Guilty In Freddie Gray Death
The family of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died in April from injuries suffered while in Baltimore police custody, will receive a landmark settlement payment from the city's government. On Tuesday it was announced that $6.4 million will be paid to Gray's surviving family members--the outcome of multiple civil claims filed against local law enforcement. The Baltimore Sun reports that the settlement will likely e approved Wednesday and paid out over two years.
Gray was arrested on April 12th, only to die days later due to devastating injuries to his neck and spine. Video of his treatment at the hands of police played a key role in the indictment of six Baltimore police officers in connection to his death. Those officers how face a host of charges including Second Degree Murder. The $6.4 million ruling came without an actual lawsuit, but was instead decided upon during a spending panel meeting in an attempt to forego any drawn-out court battles between the Gray family and the city of Baltimore. Following the decision, neither the family's lawyers nor Baltimore State Attorney Marilyn Mosby agreed to comment.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, did, however, offer a statement, one that accepts liability for Gray's brutal treatment and death, but does not admit any police wrongdoing.
“The proposed settlement agreement going before the Board of Estimates should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial,” the Mayor said in her statement. “This settlement is being proposed solely because it is in the best interest of the city, and avoids costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal and potentially cost taxpayers many millions more in damages.”
The $6.4 million sum follows a $5.9 million payout from the New York City government to the family of Eric Garner, who was killed while unarmed and uncharged during an arrest on Staten Island in 2014. An investigation by the Sun found that "the payment is larger than the total of more than 120 other lawsuits brought against the police department for alleged brutality and misconduct since 2011." During court proceedings Wednesday, a judge will determine whether the trial of those cops indicted in Gray's death should be relocated to another area outside of Baltimore.
