So, the prosecution closed its case with an expert on "retaliatory prison transports" intending to bolster its case that the van driver (Officer Goodson) gave Gray a "Baltimore Rough Ride" which led to Gray being tossed around in the back of the van and, ultimately, to his deadly injury.
There was just one problem. After reviewing video of the van as it transported Gray, and based on the standard of care he had articulated, the expert could not conclude "to a reasonable degree of certainty" that Goodson violated the articulated standard of care.
Quote:
"It's extremely important that the ride be as smooth as possible to prevent the person in the back from being propelled around the inside," Franklin testified.
Defense attorney Matthew Fraling asked Franklin whether he had seen anything in his review of surveillance video which suggested that Goodson had driven the van erratically.
"It's not your contention that Officer Goodson in any way engaged in a rough ride?" Fraling pressed Franklin.
"I can't say for sure," Franklin replied.
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State Rests Case Against Baltimore Police Officer | Officer.com
Motions to Dismiss this morning. Doubt they are granted as to all counts. Would not be surprised if the 2nd degree murder case is dismissed but the manslaughter charges remain. Ultimately, doubt Goodson gets found guilty of even manslaughter.
Prosecutors are simply trying to make something out of nothing. When your own expert says he can't be sure about your case, you have a real problem. Throw in the failure to disclose exculpatory evidence by the prosecution and this has just been a really shoddy job.
In addition, during the trial Officer Porter - who earlier had a hung jury - was compelled to give testimony including certain statements prosecutors had used against him in his prior trial. I think, however, now that he has been compelled to testify about these matters, prosecutors cannot use the statements in Porter's re-trial in September.
These cases were never about finding justice or prosecuting criminals; it was all about appeasing the mob - which was
never concerned about justice, just mob vengeance.
From the sloppy handling of Gray's arrest and transport (I have consistently said, you go into a police van alive, you ought to come out alive and the cops ought to take appropriate precautions to ensure that), to the riots, the slap-dash indictments, and the sloppy prosecutions, the whole bloody episode is just a sad, sad tale.
Mosby ought to be kicked out of office for her unprofessionalism in handling of the whole mess. She won't, however. Rather, she will probably be reelected in a landslide.