Baltimore man Freddie Gray’s death ruled ‘a homicide’, police officers charged

BALTIMORE’S top prosecutor has found probable cause to arrest six cops – including one charged with murder – in the killing of Freddie Gray.

30/4/15 - Baltimore shooting victim Freddie Gray

PROSECUTORS in Baltimore have charged six officers with multiple counts, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, in connection with the death of a 25-year-old African American man in police custody.

Gray, 25, was taken into police custody in Baltimore on April 12 and sustained a spinal injury during that time that required medical attention. He went into a coma several days later and died a week after his arrest.

Criminal charges ... Marilyn Mosby, right, Baltimore City State’s Attorney. Picture: AP

State prosecutor Marilyn Mosby on Friday said warrants had been issued for the arrest of the Baltimore Police Department officers over the death of Freddie Gray, which sparked days of protests and rioting in the East Coast port city.

The stunning announcement came during a 10:45am (12:45am AEST) news conference, and drew cheers from onlookers.

Protests ... People march on the west side of Manhattan to protest the death of Freddie Gray, a Baltimore man who was critically injured in police custody. Picture: AP

Ms Mosby said Gray was carrying a legal folding knife, not a switchblade as cops had reported, and there was no probable cause for his arrest on April 12, she said.

“The findings of our comprehensive, thorough and independent investigation, coupled with the medical examiner’s determination that Mr Gray’s death was a homicide, which we received today, has led us to believe that we have probable cause to file criminal charges,” Ms Mosby told a press conference.

Cops after chasing him down put him in a police wagon without a seatbelt, a violation of police procedure.

Violence ... Riot police advance on protesters and media during protests in the Sandtown neighborhood where Freddie Gray was arrested in Baltimore, Maryland. Picture: Getty

He suffered fatal injuries, she said, after striking his neck while he was both handcuffed and shackled at the legs.

With Gray stricken in the van, cops did not call for any medical assistance until they reached a precinct house.

Six officers are each facing multiple charges:

- Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr.: Second-degree depraved heart murder, involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, manslaughter by vehicle, misconduct in office.

- Officer William G. Porter: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.

- Lt. Brian W. Rice: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.

- Officer Edward M. Nero: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.

- Officer Garrett Miller: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment.

- Sgt. Alicia D. White: Manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.

Call for action ... Protestors march over the death of Freddy Gray in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Picture: Getty