Baltimore Van Driver in Freddie Gray Death, Acquitted

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.

The acquittal followed a hung jury for Officer William Porter last year and an acquittal for Officer Edward Nero last month.

Now it’s beginning to appear that none will be found guilty.

That could have profound impact on the majority black city, still divided over Gray’s death and a deeper distrust between police and residents.

Thursday’s verdict also adds pressure to Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, whose decision to charge the officers less than a month after the fatal ride drew praise from civil rights advocates and criticism from fellow lawyers.

As NBC previously reported, between 2005-2011, no judge in a bench trial has ever convicted an officer for murder or manslaughter in the line of duty, according to data compiled for NBC by criminologist Philip Stinson at Bowling Green State University. “Even to date I still can’t recall any instance of a conviction [in that context],” said Stinson.

Williams seemed doubtful of the state’s case throughout Goodson’s seven-day trial. He questioned the theory that Goodson gave Gray a “rough ride,” challenging prosecutors to show him evidence.

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