Van Driver Found Not Guilty On 21 Charges In Freddie Gray Case

by Olivia Butler

November 8, 2017

Photo by Photo by Bryan Woolston-Pool/Getty Images

The conclusion of another trial in the Freddie Gray case brings good news for Baltimore police officer Caesar Goodson Jr., and bad news for everyone looking for justice.

 

Photo by Baltimore Police Department via Getty Images

Goodson, 48, was driving the van in which Gray suffered fatal spinal cord injuries in April 2015. On Tuesday he was found not guilty of all 21 administrative charges that were filed against him.

As the Baltimore Sun notes, this verdict not only absolves Goodson of any wrongdoing in Gray’s death but also allows him to keep his job with the Baltimore Police Department.

BALTIMORE, MD – JUNE 23: Lawyer Billy Murphy (2nd-L) speaks as Richard Shipley (2nd-R) and Gloria Darden (R), the step-father and mother of Freddie Gray, listen during a press conference at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy Law Firm after Baltimore police officer Caesar Goodson Jr. was found not guilty on all charges on June 23, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. Officer Goodson, the van driver in the Freddie Gray case, is facing multiple charges including second-degree murder. This is the third trial related to the death of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody. (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)

Goodson was charged with neglecting his duty in the following:

  • Failing to ensure Gray’s safety by not securing a handcuffed and shackled Gray in a seat belt and;
  • Not calling a medic for Gray after he requested one

He was also charged with making false statements to investigators and second degree murder.

If he had been found guilty of just one of the charges against him, there is a good possibility that he would have faced termination from the department.

So, how does this happen? His trial was presided over by three law-enforcement officials. And no, we’re not kidding.

Together they made the decision to clear him of all charges. The decision was unanimous.

According to theroot.com the panel’s decision is considered final, and it cannot be challenged by the city or the Police Department.

TELL US: Do you agree with the outcome?

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