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The Dripby Fern Shen9:39 amSep 2, 20150

As hearings commence in Gray case, protesters return

A preview of today’s hearing on pre-trial motions

Above: Rev. Westley West speaks to crowd assembled in front of Courthouse East this morning.

4:45 P.M. UPDATE:

In victory for defense, Judge Barry Williams denies prosecutors’ motion to consolidate the cases against the six officers charged in the Freddie Gray death. As it stands, there will be six separate trials.

12:15 P.M. UPDATE:

Judge Barry Williams has denied defense motions to dismiss charges against the six police officers due to prosecutorial misconduct and for the recusal of State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her office from  the case.

Police have not yet identified the protester arrested this morning for blocking a roadway in the Inner Harbor.

People on the scene say it was activist Kwame Rose, who was also injured in a traffic accident at Pratt and Calvert streets. Police say an officer sustained minor injuries in the same incident.

10:40 A.M. UPDATE:

Baltimore Police report an arrest at Inner Harbor, saying on Facebook, “We have protestors in the area of Pratt and Calvert Streets. They blocked the roadway briefly. They have since been given direction to move out of the roadway. Most have acknowledged and moved to sidewalk. Approx. 50-75 people. An arrest has been made.”

Sharon Black of Baltimore People’s Power Assembly. Duane Davis of Baltimore BLOC. Rev. Westley West of Faith Empowered Ministry.

Protests came this morning in downtown Baltimore as attorneys prepared to argue pre-trial motions today in the case of six police officers charged in connection with the death of Freddie Gray.

“We want justice. We don’t want them [the officers] moved out of the City of Baltimore. We want it dealt with right here,” Rev. West told a crowd of above 50 assembled this morning in front of Courthouse East on Calvert Street.

Protesters outside Courthouse East jockeyed for space with media cameramen filming them. (Photo by Fern Shen)

Protesters outside of Courthouse East jockey for space with the TV cameramen filming them. (Photo by Fern Shen)

Rioting, looting and arson took place on the day of Gray’s funeral on April 27.

On May 1, State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby announced criminal charges against six officers who were later indicted by a grand jury.

Part of National Debate

The case triggered debate in Baltimore about long-standing concerns over excessive use of force by police and poor relations between police and citizens.

It also put Baltimore in the national spotlight amid a wave of protests in other cities over civilian deaths involving police.

Caesar R. Goodson, the driver of the van used to transport Gray, is charged with second degree depraved heart murder. He also faces charges of manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office. Officers Garrett E. Miller and Edward M. Nero are charged with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.

Three others – Officer William G. Porter, Lt. Brian W. Rice and Sgt. Alicia D. White – face involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office charges.

Officers Edward M. Nero and Garrett E. Miller are charged with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.

All six of the officers have pleaded not guilty.

Motions before Judge Williams

Today prosecutors and defense attorneys were set to consider a number of motions they have been arguing about in the press and argue them in front of Circuit Court Judge Barry Glenn Williams.

Among the arguments he may hear is motions is a defense motion to dismiss the charges against the officers because of prosecutorial misconduct by Mosby.

Another motion is for Mosby and other city prosecutors to be recused from the case. Another matter the two sides may take up is whether the officers should be tried together or separately.

Judge Williams will hear arguments on whether to change the venue from Baltimore later.

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