(BaltimoreSun)Prosecutors and the defense attorneys representing the six Baltimore Police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddi...
(BaltimoreSun)Prosecutors and the defense attorneys representing the six Baltimore Police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing in which the judge will hear arguments on key motions in the case. One is a defense motion to dismiss the charges against the officers because of prosecutorial misconduct by Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby; the second is a motion for Mosby and other prosecutors in her office to be recused from the case. Both sides are also expected to debate whether the officers should be tried together or separately.
The pre-trial motions hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Courthouse East, 111 N. Calvert St.
Is it on TV?
No. Maryland's laws prohibit cameras and recording devices from court rooms.
Oh. So, how can I follow the proceedings?
The Sun is hosting a live blog with updates throughout the day. You can follow along at bsun.md/live.
Will there be protests?
The Baltimore People's Power Assembly, an organization known for its protests against alleged police brutality, is planning the demonstration in front of the courthouse at 8 a.m.
Who is the judge in the Freddie Gray hearing?
Who is the judge in the Freddie Gray hearing?
How did we get to this point?
Freddie Gray, 25, was arrested on April 12 and suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in police custody. He died a week later. His funeral on April 27 was followed by citywide rioting, looting and arson. On May 1, Mosby announced criminal charges against the six officers from the stairs of the Baltimore War Memorial. Later that month, the six officers were indicted by a grand jury.
What are the charges against the police officers?
Officer Caesar R. Goodson, the driver of the van used to transport Gray, is charged with second-degree depraved-heart murder, the most serious charge among the six officers. He also is charged with manslaughter, second-degree assault, two counts of vehicular manslaughter and misconduct in office.
Three officers, Officer William G. Porter, Lt. Brian W. Rice, and Sgt. Alicia D. White, face involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office charges. Officers Edward M. Nero and Garrett E. Miller are charged with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
All six officers have pleaded not guilty.
Could those charges be dropped?
The judge will begin to assess that at Wednesday's hearing.
How would the cases be split?
How grand jury charges against officers in Freddie Gray case compare to the original charges
How grand jury charges against officers in Freddie Gray case compare to the original charges
Nobody knows. Prosecutors have previously said they would like to try four officers — Nero, Miller, Goodson and White — together. They would try the other two — Lt. Brian Rice and Officer William Porter — together in another trial.
The defense attorneys have said they want their clients charged separately.
Are the officers expected to attend the hearing?
All six officers have filed waivers of their right to appear, an indication that they intend not to.
Who is the judge?
Circuit Court Judge Barry Glenn Williams, 53. He has been an associate judge with the Baltimore City Circuit Court since December 2005. Williams holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.
What are other key dates in the case?
The sides are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 10, where they are expected to argue a motion to move the officers' trials out of Baltimore. A trial date has been scheduled for Oct. 13, though that could change as the individual motions are considered by the judge.
Have any other questions? Let us know in the comments and we'll answer them as best as we can.
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