Appeals court halts trial for 2nd officer charged in Freddie Gray’s death

The Court of Special Appeals – Maryland’s second highest court – halted Monday morning the trial of police Officer Caesar Goodson; the second of six officers accused in the death of Freddie Gray.

The proceedings are expected to include more written filings from both sides, followed by oral arguments.

Caesar R. Goodson Jr., one of six Baltimore city police officers charged in connection to the death of Freddie Gray, arrives at a courthouse for jury selection in his trial, Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in Baltimore Md. A state appeals court has temporarily blocked that ruling while its judges consider whether to uphold that decision. Porter’s lawyers, however, took the matter to the special court, which on Friday ordered a stay of Goodson’s trial until it could decide on the matter.

Cameras are prohibited in court in the State of Maryland. It is unclear how the postponement of Goodson’s trial may impact the scheduling in the trials of the other officers. The order did not preclude the Goodson’s trial from moving forward, but only meant that Porter could not testify – at least for the moment.

Goodson is also facing lesser charges including including involuntary manslaughter, second-degree negligent assault, misconduct in office, reckless endangerment and two charges of manslaughter by vehicle (gross negligence and criminal negligence).

Porter’s testimony is important to the prosecution of Goodson, who allegedly stopped the van after making a quick, sharp turn, looked in the back and then called for help. Prosecutors argue Goodson should be held accountable for Gray’s fatal injuries because he and other officers failed to strap him in and did not call an ambulance when Gray indicated he needed medical assistance.

Porter also said he told Goodson that Gray wanted to go to a hospital, but Goodson ignored his suggestion. He’s the only one of six officers charged in Gray’s death not to speak to investigators.

The move to compel a defendant to testify under immunity at a co-defendant’s trial is unprecedented in Maryland.

Defense attorneys and prosecutors can’t comment on the case because they are under a gag order.

Williams granted Porter limited immunity in exchange for his testimony, asserting that nothing Porter says on the witness stand will be used against him during his June trial.

“I don’t think the state can come close to meeting its burden without Porter’s testimony”.