The verdict clearing Baltimore Police Officer Edward Nero of all criminal charges in connection with the arrest and death of Freddie Gray surprised few on Monday, although it disappointed some.
“The Nero verdict is a reminder that we must continue to push for policies and laws related to the police department that explicitly call for the preservation of life and that have clear lines of accountability,” DeRay Mckesson, a Black Lives Matter activist, told The Baltimore Sun.
Mckesson, who unsuccessfully ran for Baltimore mayor this year, said Judge Barry Williams’ decision was “disappointing but not unexpected.” Still, he said, “I am reminded that this is one of six trials as we seek accountability for the death of Freddie Gray.”
Gray’s death sparked a series of protests that erupted into a riot last April. The officers are being tried separately, and Nero, who opted for a bench rather than jury trial, was the first to receive a verdict. Previously, the trial of Officer William Porter resulted in a hung jury, and he is scheduled for another trial next month.
Calling the verdict “a big blow” to prosecutors, longtime criminal defense attorney Gerard P. Martin said he thought the case against Nero was weak. The 30-year-old officer was charged with four misdemeanors: second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office. The assault charge, in particular, raised many eyebrows.
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