Baltimore Police Officer Edward Nero was found not guilty Monday for his alleged role in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray a year ago.
Nero had been charged with the misdemeanor counts of second-degree assault and two counts of misconduct in office for his part in Gray’s arrest. He was also charged with reckless endangerment for shackling Gray and placing him in a police van without first buckling his seatbelt. Nero pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Officer Nero is the second of six Baltimore Police Department officers to stand trial in connection with the death of Gray, a black man who suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while in police custody. Gray died from his injuries a week later, and his death led to citywide protests against police brutality.
Baltimore Police Officer William Porter stood trial December, but a jury failed to reach a verdict. Unlike Porter, Nero opted for a bench trial, meaning a judge decided his guilt or innocence.
Many in Baltimore said they hoped the acquittal of Nero didn’t lead to more violence. Andrew Murphy told a local television station:
“It just comes down to, you don’t want another outbreak of people looting and whatnot. Hopefully it comes to a peaceful resolve.”
Rep. Elijah Cummings said on Friday the community should honor whatever verdict was handed down:
“The future of our community will not be defined at the moment of the verdict, but in the days and years that will follow.”
Featured Image Via CNN Screengrab
