Porter

Jury to Be Seated Wednesday in First Officer Trial in Freddie Gray Case

Final jury selection is expected to be complete Wednesday in the trial of the first of six Baltimore police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, Maryland Judiciary spokeswoman Terri Charles said. 

Prosecutors and Porter's defense attorneys could make opening statements as early as Wednesday, the court spokeswoman said.

Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams brought in a second set of 75 prospective jurors on Tuesday after questioning a group of similar size Monday. 

Gray, 25, died April 19 after his spinal cord was injured as Baltimore police arrested him and transported him in a police van. Prosecutors say Officer William Porter failed to render aid to Gray, who repeatedly asked for medical attention. Gray's death prompted widespread protests and rioting.

Porter was charged with assault, manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. He pleaded not guilty. 

Two members of the jury pool, a man and woman, said they or members of their immediate family knew Gray. In response to a series of questions by Williams, one man said he was unaware of the $6.4 million civil settlement paid to Gray's family by the city. All members of the jury pool indicated they knew about the case.

Nearly 50 members of the jury pool Tuesday said either they or a member of their immediate families had been the victim of a crime or had been charged with a crime, arrested or incarcerated. Almost 40 people in the jury pool Monday gave the same response.

Twenty-three potential jurors Tuesday said they had "strong feelings" about manslaughter or other misconduct by police. A similar number of people gave the same response Monday.

Porter appeared in court again Tuesday. He wore a dark suit and turned to look at potential jurors as they indicated their responses to questions.

All but a handful of jurors were questioned by the judge behind closed doors, as jurors also were questioned Monday. Some members of the group on Tuesday were dismissed that evening. 

Contact Us