Federal Authorities Launch Investigation Into Freddie Gray's Death
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Growing demands for answers as the feds now start their own investigation into how Freddie Gray was fatally wounded in custody.
Derek Valcourt has more on the multiple investigations underway.
The Department of Justice investigation is giving some confidence to city and state leaders that eventually they will have answers as to what happened in this case. It has reignited debate around police brutality in this country.
When 25-year-old Freddie Gray went into the back of a police van after his arrest April 12, he emerged about a half hour later with life-threatening injuries to his neck that put him in a coma and led to his death a week later.
The Department of Justice now becomes the third government agency looking into the case, along with city police and an independent investigation conducted by the Office of the City State's Attorney. Department of Justice officials say they will examine whether Freddie Gray's constitutional rights were violated.
Click here for the latest on the investigation into Freddie Gray's death.
Baltimore's mayor is applauding the federal probe into Gray's case.
"I don't know how someone injured to that extent could have asked for medical attention from another human being and not been given medical attention. Those are some serious questions that really trouble me," Rawlings-Blake said.
City Council President Jack Young requested the Maryland's attorney general take up the case as well--Governor Larry Hogan says "no."
"I think it's a terrible idea. We spoke with the attorney general's office as well, and first of all, interfering in that investigation would not help; it would probably hurt," Hogan said. "We don't want to make politics out of this tragic situation."
"If we do not address these issues now, we will have these types of incidents going on every day," said Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings, (D) 7th District.
Cummings joined other state lawmakers requesting the Department of Justice investigation, baffled by Gray's severe spine and neck injuries.
"For the police to tell me that this arrest was made without incident or force, that's insulting," Cummings said. "That only breeds distrust."
The mayor says she has tried to meet with Freddie Gray's family, but that meeting was declined by their attorney.
The police expect to turn their investigative findings over to the prosecutors by May 1. They'll decide if charges are warranted.
