The Department of Justice has decided against bringing federal civil rights charges against the officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray.
Sept. 12 (UPI) — The Department of Justice has decided against bringing federal civil rights charges against the officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray .
Justice Department officials ultimately decided there was not sufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof for federal charges.
« It is not enough to show that the officer made a mistake, acted negligently, acted by accident, or even exercised bad judgment, » the DOJ wrote in a released statement. « Although Gray’s death is undeniably tragic, the evidence in this case is insufficient to meet these substantial evidentiary requirements. »
« The investigation into this incident has been closed without prosecution, » the DOJ added .
Gray’s death in 2015 while in police custody sparked large protests across Baltimore and the U. S.
On April 12,2015, Gray, 25, suffered a severe spinal cord injury while being transported in a police van to a booking precinct. Gray fell into a coma as a result of the injury and died a week later.
Six police officers involved in Gray’s arrest and handling were charged with various crimes, including second-degree depraved murder, by Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. All six officers were acquitted of the various charges in separate bench trials.
Gray’s family was awarded $6.4 million in a civil suit filed against Baltimore city officials.
Under the Obama administration, the Justice Department opened an investigation of Baltimore’s criminal justice system. The department also opened a civil rights investigation of Gray’s death. The latest DOJ decision officially closes the latter investigation.
The broader investigation of the city’s police and court system — concluded last year — found officers and officials engaged in various forms of racial discrimination, unconstitutional actions and excessive force.
The investigation’s findings resulted in a consent decree that ordered Baltimore police and court system to undertake sweeping reforms. In April, a federal judge ratified the decree, defying the wishes of new Attorney General Jeff Sessions and confirming the city’s obligation to enact reforms.
