Maryland – Trial begins for fourth Baltimore officer

The fourth Baltimore police officer to go to trial for charges stemming from the arrest and death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, a young black man who died from injuries sustained in the back of a police wagon, is set to begin with opening statements. Lt. Brian Rice, who faces manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct charges, opted for a judge trial. The three previous officers who went to trial in the case of Freddie Gray were either acquitted or their trial was declared a mistrial. Gray’s death sparked protests and rioting throughout Baltimore and added fuel to the Black Lives Matter movement.