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From what I understand, the murder 2 charge is similar to a reckless manslaughter charge. If the prosecution proves that the arresting officers deliberately did not strap the victim in, then conviction would depend on whether the evidence supports a conscious omission (tho not necessarily with intent to kill) or an inadvertent oversight.
The prosecution is hoping for at least a compromise verdict, in which the officers may be acquitted of the more serious charges, but are convicted of some lesser offense, such as false arrest. They can then claim a victory. Its a real gamble, because the court could dismiss the serious charges after the prosecution's case, make the State look bad, and possibly turn some members of the jury against the prosecution for perceived overreaching. Its also questionable whether the Baltimore public will accept a lesser conviction -- now that they've heard the word "murder" -- and will take to the streets again if they don't get just that.
The article mentions a change of venue. I think that will also be a real issue because of all the negative publicity in Baltimore.
From what I understand, the murder 2 charge is similar to a reckless manslaughter charge. If the prosecution proves that the arresting officers deliberately did not strap the victim in, then conviction would depend on whether the evidence supports a conscious omission (tho not necessarily with intent to kill) or an inadvertent oversight.
The prosecution is hoping for at least a compromise verdict, in which the officers may be acquitted of the more serious charges, but are convicted of some lesser offense, such as false arrest. They can then claim a victory. Its a real gamble, because the court could dismiss the serious charges after the prosecution's case, make the State look bad, and possibly turn some members of the jury against the prosecution for perceived overreaching. Its also questionable whether the Baltimore public will accept a lesser conviction -- now that they've heard the word "murder" -- and will take to the streets again if they don't get just that.
The article mentions a change of venue. I think that will also be a real issue because of all the negative publicity in Baltimore.
OP says charges may be dropped and that truly would be up to the judge at the preliminary hearing on 5/27.
Of course, the suspended officers would want everyone to believe they did nothing wrong to cause the death of FG with a severed spine and crushed larynx. Anyone should welcome the investigation into that death.
This truly is putting the cart before the horse.
What happens when the judge says, there is probable cause to move forward. Trial dates are.
Do you mean to tell me that the police investigation of police misconduct might favor the police? SHOCKING!
That obvious flaw aside, the police investigation has no bearing on whether or not charges will be dropped. The police don't decide that.
Do you mean to tell me that the police investigation of police misconduct might favor the police? SHOCKING!
That obvious flaw aside, the police investigation has no bearing on whether or not charges will be dropped. The police don't decide that.
Police policing the police..LOL
Would anyone expect them to come right out and say, yes we are responsible for FG's death.
Do you mean to tell me that the police investigation of police misconduct might favor the police? SHOCKING!
That obvious flaw aside, the police investigation has no bearing on whether or not charges will be dropped. The police don't decide that.
Of course, only the court can dismiss charges.
I have to say though, I'd be surprised if the local police investigation in this case is not accurate and thorough. There is too much public scrutiny for anyone to cut corners. Mistakes would be discovered, and anyone messing with the evidence would probably be indicted as well; at the least they can kiss their career goodbye. This is particularly true since no one at th9is time knows whether the U.S. Dept of Justice Civil Rights Division will ultimately be asked to review the evidence.
Of course, the suspended officers would want everyone to believe they did nothing wrong to cause the death of FG with a severed spine and crushed larynx. Anyone should welcome the investigation into that death. .
Would you say more so than the prosecutor who wants everyone to believe they did? Or Less?
Not surprising. The charges were utterly trumped up. The six police involved (three black, by the way) were not in the wagon beating up Freddie Gray. Nor can they stop a 5150 from hurting himself if he is hell bent on it.
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