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Killing of Freddie Gray

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Death of Freddie Gray
DateIncident began April 12, 2015 (2015-04-12)
LocationBaltimore, Maryland, U.S.
TypeDeath in police custody
CauseSpinal cord injury
Filmed byTwo witnesses to arrest
ParticipantsFreddie Gray (death)
Six Baltimore police officers
InquiriesU.S. Department of Justice
Baltimore Police Department

Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American man, died of a spinal injury on April 19, 2015. A week prior, Gray had been taken into custody by police in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.[1] Within an hour of being taken into custody, Gray was being sent to hospital by police, where he fell into a coma.

The incident has lead to protests in Baltimore. Six Baltimore police officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.[2]

Background

Freddie Gray was 25 years old, and had two sisters. As children, he and his sisters were found to have lead poisoning in their blood levels.[3] According to a 2008 lawsuit filed against a Sandtown-Winchester housing complex Gray and his sisters lived, the lead poisoning caused medical, behavioral, and educational problems for the children. The terms of the settlement were not revealed for the public.[3]

At the time of his death, he resided in the Gilmor Homes neighborhood. He stood 5 feet and 8 inches tall and weighed 145 pounds. Gray had a criminal record, mainly for drug related offenses.[4]

Details of arrest and death

Police encountered Freddie Gray on April 12, 2015, in an area of Baltimore known for drug deals and violent crimes.[5] He ran; according to court documents Gray "fled unprovoked upon noticing police presence".[1] Police chased and tackled Gray and took him into custody at 8:40 a.m., after finding a switchblade in his pocket.[1]

Two bystanders captured Gray's arrest with video recordings.[6]

According to the police timeline, Gray was in a transport van within 11 minutes of his arrest, and within 30 minutes "units request paramedics to the Western District to transport the suspect to an area hospital."[5] He was taken to a trauma clinic, and was in a coma within the hour.[5]

The statement of charges filed by Officer Garrett Miller against Gray accused him of possessing a switchblade. Miller wrote, "The defendant was arrested without force or incident."[7] Officers also reported "that he suffered a medical emergency during transport".[8]

In the following week, according to the Gray family attorney, Gray died, was resuscitated, remained in a coma, and underwent extensive surgery in an effort to save his life.[5] He lapsed into a coma after his spine was "80% severed" at his neck and his voice box was injured.[2] He died the following Sunday, April 19, 2015.[1]

Subsequent events

Protestors at a police station near the site of Gray's arrest

The Baltimore Police Department suspended six officers pending an investigation of Gray's death.[1] On April 24, 2015, Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said, "We know our police employees failed to get him medical attention in a timely manner multiple times."[9] Batts also acknowledged police did not follow procedure when they failed to buckle Gray in the van while he was being transported to the police station.[9]

By April 21, 2015, according to Reuters, "Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Baltimore", protesting Gray's death.[6]

On April 25, 2015, peaceful protests and uncivilized conduct occurred in downtown Baltimore. Protesters marched from the Baltimore City Hall to Inner Harbor. Multiple people damaged at least five police vehicles, and several people shoved police officers and threw various objects. At least twelve people were arrested.[10]

CBS News reported the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the case.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e McLaughlin, Eliott (April 21, 2015). "Freddie Gray death: Protesters rally in Baltimore - CNN.com". CNN.com. CNN. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Laughl, Oliver; Swaine, Jon. "Six Baltimore officers suspended over police-van death of Freddie Gray". The Guardian. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  3. ^ a b Marbella, Jean. Beggining of Freddie Gray's life as sad as it ended, The Baltimore Sun, April 23, 2015.
  4. ^ Musial, Michael. The death of Freddie Gray: What we know, Los Angeles Times, April 22, 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d "Baltimore looks into Freddie Gray police custody death - CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Crowds protest death of man after arrest by Baltimore police". Reuters. April 21, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  7. ^ Pérez-peña, Richard (April 21, 2015). "Baltimore Officers Suspended Over Death of Freddie Gray Are Identified". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  8. ^ Peralta, Eyder (April 20, 2015). "Baltimore Police Promise Full Investigation Into Man's Death After Arrest". The two-way, Breaking News from NPR. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Police: Freddie Gray didn't get timely medical care after arrest". CNN. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  10. ^ Freddie Gray death: Protesters damage cars; 12 arrested, CNN, April 25, 2015.
  11. ^ "Feds investigating Baltimore man's death in police custody". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved April 22, 2015.

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