Officer in Freddie Gray Case Opts for Trial by Judge

BALTIMORE, MD – One of six officers charged in connection with the death of Freddie Gray has requested a bench trial, meaning he will be tried by a judge rather than a jury.

Officer Edward Nero, 30, of Bel Air, is charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office related to the detainment of Gray.

He is the first to stand trial in the Gray case since Officer William Porter, whose proceedings ended in a mistrial in December.

Judge Barry Williams will hear Nero's case, which is set to start on Thursday, May 12, The Baltimore Sun reports.

The trial was slated to begin on Wednesday, May 10, but the state's attorney requested a delay due to a power outage.

See Also:

• State Seeks Delay of Trial for Officer in Freddie Gray Case
• Officer Charged in Freddie Gray Case Challenges Claims
• Bel Air Resident is Among 6 Officers Charged in Freddie Gray Case

Gray was arrested April 12, 2015, and died a week later from an injury prosecutors allege he got in a police van. The day following his death, police announced that the six officers involved in his detainment had been suspended.

After Gray’s funeral in late April, riots erupted in parts of Baltimore, requiring the National Guard to help quell the unrest.

Days later, Mosby announced charges, ranging from misconduct in office to murder, against six officers: Officer Caesar Goodson, Porter, Sgt. Alicia White, Officer Garrett Miller, Lt. Brian Rice and Nero.

Officials said Nero was patrolling an area off North Avenue on bicycle when he and Officer Miller chased Gray, who made eye contact with their lieutenant and ran from them.

Upon taking Gray into custody in the 1700 block of Presbury Street, the officers found a knife in Gray's front pants pocket, according to Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

Judge Williams ruled that the legality of the knife would not be allowed to be brought up in the trial. He also said that cell phone video of the arrest could be played but it would have to be muted. Finally, he also ruled that Gray's past would not be allowed to be brought up at trial.

Pictured, Officer Edward Nero. File Photo.