The trial for Officer Caesar Goodson will begin Thursday for his accused role in the death of Freddie Gray. He opted for a bench trial during pre-trial motions on Monday. Goodson, who drove the van carrying Gray, is facing the most serious charges out of all six of the officers. He is charged with second-degree depraved heart murder, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter by vehicles (gross negligence), manslaughter by vehicles (criminal negligence), and reckless endangerment. He is the only officer facing charges of murder and manslaughter by vehicles. If convicted for murder, the officer faces 30 years in prison.
Officer Goodson volunteered April 12, 2015 to work an overtime shift on his day off. He transported Freddie Gray to Baltimore City Police Department’s Western District, making an unexplained stop. Prosecutors blame the death on Goodson’s negligence when he failed to buckle Gray into a seat belt and call for medic.
As the only officer who has not given a statement to investigators, the trial is sure to shed some light on the circumstances regarding the death of Gray.
Officer Edward Nero had all charges cleared against him last month and Officer Porter’s trial ended in a hung jury. Despite the outcome of these trials, that does not mean that Goodson will have the same fate. In the last two trials, fellow officers and law enforcement experts said it was Goodson’s responsibility to secure Gray with a seatbelt. His defense team will have to fight hard against these testimonies as well as other expert testimony the prosecution has enlisted.
As the city of Baltimore grows weary, this trial might be one that provides a sense of relief and hope.
Security measures already underway before pre-trial hearing of Officer Caesar Goodson. #FreddieGray Case pic.twitter.com/7MfLdn68M1
— Larry Collins (@LarryCFOX45) June 6, 2016
Following the trial of Officer Goodson will be Lt. Brian Rice (July 5th), Officer Garrett Miller (July 27th), Officer William Porter (September 6th), and Sgt. Alicia White (October 13th).
