Trial Of Van Driver In Gray Case Under Microscope Nationwide
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's not just the eyes of Baltimore, but the eyes of the nation that are on the trial of Officer Caesar Goodson. He is one of six officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the impact it is having.
The Freddie Gray trials have had an impact so far on both police and protesters -- all hoping for what they believe is justice.
The trial of Officer Caesar Goodson is under the microscope all over the U.S.
"I talk to people all across the country who are concerned about it," said Doug Ward with the Johns Hopkins Public Safety Leadership Program, who advises law enforcement nationally.
Police across the nation are keeping a careful eye on the trial.
"I think a lot of people will be paying attention to it. And a lot of people are going to be second-guessing why the charges were placed in the first place, or why wasn't there a guilty," Ward said.
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Goodson faces the most serious charges in the death of Freddie Gray, including second-degree murder.
Officials with the National Fraternal Order of Police tell WJZ the cases against all six officers could have a huge impact.
"Any continued action against these officers is going to have a chilling effect on policing nationwide," said Jim Pasco, the executive director of the National Fraternal Order of Police.
Pasco says his organization is outraged the charges were filed in the first place and takes aim at State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
"I would hope that elected prosecutors are paying attention to the adverse consequences of miscarriage of justice," he said.
Gray's death sparked massive protests, and those same protesters are also focused on the courtroom proceedings.
"There's been too many cases where police are not held accountable in the same way that people in the community are held accountable," said Sharon Black, People's Power Assembly.
Officer Goodson potentially faces up to 30 years behind bars.