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Neighborhood Reacts After Nero Found Not Guilty

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Residents of the west Baltimore neighborhood where Freddie Gray grew up and where he was arrested spoke to WJZ about the not guilty verdict Monday.

Marcus Washington has more.

After the verdict was announced, it took time for many to hear about it at Penn North. Many are in disbelief and questioning was justice really served?

As word spread that Officer Edward Nero was found not guilty on all charges connected to the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, conversations about the verdict sparked throughout north and west Baltimore.

With each minute passing, more people heard the news for the first time.

RELATED: NERO TRIAL:  Nero Found Not Guilty On All Charges | What's Next? A Trial Timeline | Live Blog | Community Reaction | City Leader Reaction | Small Group of Protesters Present |

"I think the community is not surprised by the verdict and that we will seek some semblance of justice through the trial process and we must understand that there's five more trials to go. Let's stay calm and let's let justice play out," said Lucky Crosby, Sr.

With each person's discovery an expression of disappointment and frustration.

"What do you think they're going to do if they can't get a misdemeanor," said one man.

When it comes to justice in this case, it depends on who you ask.

"He got a trial and whatever the verdict is, I have to accept that. But by the same token, it's not going to be business as usual. At least---at the least, you know---he was held accountable. That's all we ask for that, be held accountable," said Fleetwood Hall.

This is the neighborhood where Freddie Gray was arrested. Many there say they are invested in each of the trials and they will be paying close attention.

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