Hung Jury in 1st Freddie Gray Trial

Jurors couldn't reach decision on William Porter
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 16, 2015 2:32 PM CST
Hung Jury in 1st Freddie Gray Trial
   (Mark Wilson)

A Baltimore judge says there is a hung jury in the case of a police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray. Circuit Judge Barry Williams announced Wednesday that the jury couldn't reach its decision after three days of deliberations in the manslaughter trial of William Porter. He was the first of six officers to stand trial on charges stemming from Gray's arrest and death. The judge told the jurors they had "clearly been diligent" before he dismissed them. As the decision was announced a handful of protesters gathered outside the courthouse.

Gray died after suffering a broken neck in a police van while handcuffed and shackled. An autopsy concluded his head was probably slammed against inside the van as the van turned a corner or stopped. Prosecutors say Porter should have called an ambulance when Gray indicated he needed medical help, and should have buckled Gray's seat belt. Porter testified Gray didn't seem hurt. He says he told the driver and a supervisor Gray wanted to go to a hospital. The jury told the judge Tuesday that they were deadlocked, and he told them to keep working. (More Freddie Gray stories.)

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