UPDATE [11:34AM]:

In announcing his verdict of not guilt trial Judge Barry Williams made clear that he found the defense theory of the case to be far more compelling than he did the state’s theory.It is worth recalling in this context that the state bears the great burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A state can have a more compelling case than the defense and still fail to convict, if they fail to exceed reasonable doubt.

A case in which the defense actually has the more compelling narrative means the prosecutors were never even close to obtaining a conviction.Williams concluded that the state had failed to prove that Nero acted unreasonably.

Unreasonable conduct is an explicit element for the reckless endangerment charge, and its absence ensured an acquittal on that charge.Williams also concluded that only Officer Garrett Miller physically arrested Gray. The second degree assault charge against Nero was premised on the theory that his arrest of Gray was unlawful.

The conclusion that Nero did not in fact arrest Gray at all ensured an acquittal on the second degree assault charge.Williams also dismissed the state’s bizarre legal theory that Nero should be found guilty on the basis of criminal conspiracy, because of his cooperation with Miller and other officers in arresting and transporting Gray.

Williams also noted that this verdict, naturally, applies narrowly to Nero, and has no direct implications for the five other scheduled Freddie Gray trials.It should be noted, however, that the nature of Nero’s trial does have implications for the scheduled trial of police officer Garrett Miller. Miller testified extensively in the Nero trail, after being compelled to do so following his being granted use immunity by state prosecutors.

A consequence of that grant of immunity is that nothing he said on the witness stand can now be used against him in his own trial. That will effectively gut efforts to prosecute Miller.

http://legalinsurrection.com/2016/05/freddie-gray-trial-verdict-officer-edward-nero-not-guilty/#more-172343

Last edited by Common Sense (5/23/2016 10:48 am)

The prosecution overcharged because of conditions in Baltimore city! Charges were based on emotions and not the facts of the case.

They just reopened the CVS drug store that was burned down last year..................