US Court Halts Trial of Baltimore Officer Charged in Freddie Gray’s Death

Goodson is one of six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray, 25, who suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injuries in April while being driven in a police transport van. The stop came from a request of injunction from Officer William G. Porter to halt a city’s order from a judge to have him testify against his fellow Officer Goodson Jr., according to the Baltimore Sun.

Porter’s attorneys contend that requiring him to testify would be a violation of his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. However, the proceedings lasted no more than a minute, as Judge Barry Williams adjourned the case until the Maryland Court of Special Appeals can decide if Officer William Porter can be forced to testify in the case.

Gray died on April 20, one week after he was arrested for allegedly possessing a switchblade.

The Monday morning announcement comes after officer William Porter’s trial ended in a mistrial in December when the jury could not make a decision.

In granting the motion to compel Porter to testify, Judge Williams warned prosecutors that they were headed down a tricky path if they intend to retry Porter. 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.

A state of emergency has been declared in Baltimore after riots erupted in the U.S. city.

Jury selection for the second officer trial in the Freddie Gray case will not take place as scheduled Monday, as the court enters a recess. Goodson, they say, bears the most responsibility because as the wagon driver, Gray was technically in his custody.

Goodson is facing second-degree depraved-heart murder, punishable by 30 years’ imprisonment, as well as second-degree negligent assault, manslaughter by vehicle – each charged by up to ten years in prison.

Defense attorneys and prosecutors can’t comment on the case because they are under a gag order. “I’m not Goodson’s supervisor”, he said. Prosecutors will likely try and show Goodson purposely gave Gray a tumultuous ride as a form of punishment, USA Today reported.

While the prosecution can’t officially use the testimony against Porter in court, the information gathered from his testimony could still be extremely helpful to the prosecution.