Judge Rules Another Officer Must Testify Against Colleagues In Freddie Gray Case

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A critical ruling for one of the officers about to stand trial in the death of Freddie Gray. A judge orders Officer Garrett Miller to testify against two other officers charged in Gray's death.

Meghan McCorkell with what this latest development means--one day after the first-anniversary of Gray's death.

The hearing took just a few short minutes on Wednesday, with Judge Barry Williams ruling in favor of the prosecution.

The judge has ruled. Officer Garrett Miller will be compelled to testify against his colleagues, Officer Edward Nero and Lieutenant Bryan Rice.

"No surprises here. The trial judge received affirmation, and it was an instance of speedy justice," said Doug Colbert, legal analyst.

Miller and Nero were on bike patrol at Gilmor Homes and helped in the apprehension of Freddie Gray. Rice was the first officer to make eye contact with Gray before he ran.

Prosecutors filed a motion to compel Miller to testify, saying his testimony is necessary to the public interest.

University of Maryland law professor Doug Colbert has been closely following the case.

"He certainly was present at the time that Freddie Gray was apprehended, and so that piece of the story needs to be told," Colbert said.

Wednesday's ruling comes after the state's highest court ordered Officer William Porter to testify against his fellow officers under limited immunity. Porter faces a retrial for his role in the death of Freddie Gray.

While the Court of Appeals has ruled in the Porter case, they haven't released their reasoning behind that ruling.

On Wednesday, Miller's attorneys argued it would be inappropriate for their client to testify, but say without the high's court's written opinion, they're essentially flying blind. Citing the appeals ruling, Judge Barry Williams sided with the prosecution.

So, for now, Miller will take the stand when Edward Nero goes to trial on May 10.

Miller's attorneys say they will reserve further argument until that written opinion is released.

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