Free Republic

BALTIMORE — A Baltimore judge on Monday questioned prosecutors’ theory that a police officer charged with murder in the death of Freddie Gray intentionally gave him a “rough ride” in a police van that caused the 25-year-old black man’s mortal injuries more than a year ago. Prosecutors had used the phrase “rough ride” in their opening arguments of Officer Caesar Goodson’s trial earlier this month, but Deputy State’s Attorney Janice Bledsoe did not utter the term during closing arguments Monday. Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams grilled Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Michael Schatzow to clarify how he thought Officer Goodson had...

BALTIMORE | The judge who will decide the fate of a police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray on Thursday blasted city prosecutors for failing to turn over evidence that could exculpate the officer. On the opening day of the trial for Officer Caesar Goodson, Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams said that prosecutors violated Maryland court rules when they failed to turn over to the defense a discussion with Donta Allen, the second man placed inside the transport van after Gray was injured. “I’m saying you don’t understand what exculpatory means. I’m telling you that this [evidence] needs...