It is time for major police reform in America. Too many individuals are dying in police custody and the cops are not held responsible, ever. In this case, it boils down to who was responsible for making sure Freddie Gray buckled his seatbelt. NBC News:
Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams cleared Officer Edward Nero of charges of assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.
Nero opted for a bench trial as opposed to a trial by jury.
Nero, 30, was one of two officers who initially made eye contact with Gray before his arrest. Gray, 25, died on April 19, 2015, a week after his neck was broken while he was transported in a police van — shackled and handcuffed, but without a seat belt.
While prosecutors argued that Nero arrested Gray without probable cause and was negligent when he didn't buckle Gray into the van, a defense attorney said Nero didn't arrest Gray and it was the responsibility of the driver to buckle Gray in.
Freddie Gray's family was paid a $6.4 million settlement by the City of Baltimore last September.