Watch CBS News

Protests Expected As First Freddie Gray Trial Begins Monday

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Monday morning, the eyes of the world will be focused on our city as the first of the Freddie Gray trials is set to begin.

Vic Carter has more on what we can expect to learn.

In just a few hours, the trial for William Porter will get underway. He's one of the six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray.

In April, Freddie Gray died from injuries he suffered in the back of a police van. Six city officers are charged. William Porter, the first to stand trial, is charged with manslaughter and misconduct in office.

"The fundamental question as to whether it was a homicide is usually a pretty straightforward question in most cases. In this case, it's not a straightforward question," said attorney Adam Ruther.

Several questions remain about what exactly led to Gray's death in the back of that police van.

Attorney Adam Ruther gives WJZ an inside look at this first trial.

"The van itself will certainly be an important piece of evidence. Certainly photographs, the crime scene report on the back of the van. The testimony of the crime scene techs who examined the back of the van. Because Mr. Gray suffered his injuries in an environment where there were no cameras, no witnesses, the state is going to have to prove its case by and large by circumstantial evidence and the testimony of experts," Ruther said.

The attorneys for the other five officers will be watching this trial.

"The way the state presents the evidence is going to be something the defense is going to be very interested in because it gives them a preview that they wouldn't normally get as to how they should organize their defense when it's time for their trial to go forward," Ruther said.

The outcome of this trial will certainly affect the next one, which is Officer Caesar Goodson's.

Stay with WJZ for complete coverage of the Freddie Gray trials. We will bring you the very latest developments straight from the courtroom as Officer Porter's case begins.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.