BALTIMORE (AP) - The trial for a police officer charged with murder in the death of a 25-year-old Freddie Gray whose neck was broken in the back of a transport wagon is slated to begin.
Officer Caesar Goodson faces second-degree murder, manslaughter, assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment charges stemming from Gray's death.
Prosecutors say Goodson was ultimately responsible for Gray's well-being and was so negligent in failing to call a medic for Gray or buckle the man into a seat belt that his inaction amounts to a crime.
Goodson waived his right to a jury trial and instead will leave his fate up to Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams.
Gray died April 19 of last year, a week after he suffered a critical spinal injury in Goodson's wagon.
