Closing Arguments Set To Begin For Officer Charged In Freddie Gray Case
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Closing arguments set to begin Monday for one of six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray.
For the past two weeks prosecutors and defense attorneys have presented their case in the trial for Baltimore Police Officer William Porter.
The heart of this case has touched on a number of problems in the Baltimore City Police Department and in the end it will be up to jurors to decide who they find credible.
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On Friday, the defense rests its case after calling the mother of Officer Porter to the stand.
Helena Porter called her son a "nice guy" and a "peacemaker".
The defense also brought in a final expert, Captain Justin Reynolds, who said Officer Porter went beyond what most officers would do and put the blame on wagon driver, Officer Caesar Goodson and Sgt. Alicia White, who were not acting when Porter told them Gray need to go to the hospital.
LIVE BLOG: Track the latest developments in the Porter Trial
The prosecution believes Porter cared so little about Gray's life that he ignored his pleas for help and left him to die inside a transport van.
Prosecutors also say Porter ignored general orders mandating arrestees be secured with seat belts.
Closing arguments are set to begin at 9:00 a.m followed by jury instructions. Soon after, jurors will start deliberating four charges against Officer Porter:
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Second-degree assault
- Reckless endangerment
- Misconduct in office
If Porter is convicted, he could face more than 10 years behind bars.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis has cancelled leave from December 14 through the 18th for all "sworn personnel".
"The community has an expectation for us to be prepared for a variety of scenarios," said Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.
Judge Williams has previously stated that he expects the trial to be wrapped up by the end of the week.