Caesar Goodson, Baltimore Van Driver Charged in Freddie Gray Death, Acquitted

By Safia Samee Ali

A judge on Thursday acquitted a Baltimore police officer of murder charges in the death of Freddie Gray, a major setback for prosecutors and a sign that the fractured city may not see criminal convictions against any of the cops involved.

Of those officers, Caesar Goodson faced the most serious allegations. He was the driver of the police van in which Gray, 25, sustained fatal spinal and head injuries after being arrested on a weapons charge in April 2015, sparking riots.

Prosecutors said Goodson's failure to secure Gray in a seat belt or get him prompt medical attention made him guilty of second-degree depraved heart murder. He was also charged with manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment, and misconduct in office.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams found Goodson not guilty across the board. 

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Source: NBC News 

Note: The Rev. Al Sharpton issued the following statement shortly after the verdict. 

“I am disappointed that Judge Barry G. Williams has decided to acquit police officer Caesar Goodson of all charges in the case of Freddie Gray. Last April, Gray sustained a fatal injury while riding in the van that Officer Goodson was driving, and now his family and friends live without him every day. Officer Goodson’s reckless driving and carelessness for common safety procedures – most notably providing a seatbelt –  directly caused Gray’s death. We will continue efforts at National Action Network to push for the delivery of justice and closure for Gray’s family."