Baltimore officer Caesar Goodson has been acquitted of all charges in the death of Freddie Gray – Full ruling pdf included below: Baltimore officer Caesar Goodson has been acquitted of all charges in the death of Freddie Gray –

(Via Baltimore Sun) The Baltimore Police van driver accused of giving a “rough ride” that killed Freddie Gray was acquitted of all charges Thursday by Circuit Judge Barry Williams.

Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., 46, had faced the most serious charges of any of the six officers indicted in Gray’s arrest and death last April, including second-degree depraved heart murder.

Goodson was also acquitted of three counts of manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.

His acquittal, which comes after Williams considered the charges for three days, throws the rest of the cases into jeopardy. The other officers charged face similar, but lesser accusations. (read more)

Here’s the RULING:

Officer Caesar Goodson was the transport van driver charged with 2nd Degree Murder in the death of Freddie Gray. Officer Goodson opted for a bench trial and the verdict is anticipated to be delivered this morning at 10:00am

(Via Baltimore Sun) […] Goodson, 46, opted for a bench trial. Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams is expected to announce his verdict at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Police say they are ready for possible protests.

“Out of an abundance of caution and sheer responsibility, leave has been canceled” for officers, Baltimore police spokesman T.J. Smith said.

[…] There were peaceful protests in December after Williams declared a mistrial in Porter’s trial when the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on any of the four charges. Police made no arrests.

After Williams acquitted Nero on all charges after a bench trial last month, there was a small demonstration, and some protesters pursued Nero’s family into a nearby parking garage, with a crush of news media following. (read more)