Activists Predict More Riots If Freddie Gray Trials Are Relocated

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Major decision in the trial against six officers accused in the Freddie Gray case.

A judge ruled on Wednesday that all six officers will receive their own day in court. The question that remains is can the officers get a fair trial here in Baltimore, or should the case be moved out of the city?

WJZ's Derek Valcourt has more on the upcoming hearing in the Freddie Gray case.

That decision is expected to be made on September 10, 2015 during a second hearing and the decision will come with huge legal ramifications.

A motion to "remove" the case out of Baltimore will be heard based on the reasoning that the media coverage makes it difficulty/impossible to seat an impartial and unbiased jury.

If the judge rules in favor of this motion, the case would be tried in another Maryland jurisdiction selected by Judge Barry Williams.

"I think it's difficult for anyone in Maryland to think of a case that 's gotten more publicity than this," said Adam Ruther.

Ruth points out that rare criminal cases with far less attention have been moved to other jurisdictions.

For the 2010 murder of a gas station owner William Ray Porter in Baltimore County, that case was moved to Harford County.

And the murder of Sarah Foxwell, that case was relocated away from Salisbury, Md.

Valcourt: "If there's ever a case to be moved, why shouldn't it be this one?

"Well that's certainly a valid point. The judge may ultimately rule that difficult doesn't mean impossible if we pull in enough citizenry from Baltimore who can be fair even if they have heard things about the case, " said Ruther. "Remember it's not about whether they've heard about the case it's whether they can judge the case based only on what they hear in the courtroom."

But activists demand the case against the six accused officers stay in the city.

Reverend West has been an active leader in protests and he predicts more unrest if the case is moved.

"I think it would cause a lot of chaos, anger we would see the uprising again if this case is moved out of the city of Baltimore," he said.

Attorneys say if the judge does not agree to move the cases out of the city, that will certainly be an issue if and when the defendants need to file an appeal.

The second hearing will be held next week,  September 10, at the Circuit Court For Baltimore City.

WHAT CHARGES ARE THE OFFICERS FACING?

Officer Caesar R. Goodson:

1. Second degree depraved heart murder (30 yrs.)
2. Manslaughter (involuntary) (10 yrs.)
3. Assault/second degree (10 yrs.)
4. Manslaughter by vehicle (gross negligence) (10 yrs.)
5. Manslaughter by vehicle (criminal negligence) (3 yrs.)
6. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
7. Reckless endangerment (5 yrs.)

Officer William G. Porter

1. Manslaughter (involuntary) (10 yrs.)
2. Assault/second degree (10 yrs.
3. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
4. Reckless endangerment (5 yrs.)

Lt. Brian W. Rice

1. Manslaughter (involuntary) (10 yrs.)
2. Assault/second degree (10 yrs.)
3. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
4. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
5. Reckless endangerment (5 yrs.)

Officer Edward M. Nero

1. Assault/second degree (10 yrs.)
2. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
3. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
4. Reckless endangerment (5 yrs.)

Officer Garrett E. Miller

1. Assault/second degree (10 yrs.)
2. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
3. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
4. Reckless endangerment (5 yrs.)

Sgt. Alicia D. White

1. Manslaughter (involuntary) (10 yrs.)
2. Assault/second degree (10 yrs.)
3. Misconduct in office (8th Amendment*)
4. Reckless endangerment (5 yrs.)

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• Freddie Gray
• Baltimore