Officer Chooses Bench Trial in Freddie Gray Murder Case

BALTIMORE, MD – Officer Caesar Goodson, driver of the van that transported a 25-year-old Baltimore man who died in police custody last year, has opted for a bench trial.

Goodson, 46, is the second of six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray to waive his right to a trial by jury and instead ask for a judge to weigh his case.

Officer Edward Nero, 30, opted for a bench trial last month and was found not guilty of assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct. Officer William Porter's case ended in a mistrial in December with a hung jury.

Goodson faces the most serious charges of the officers involved in Gray's detainment: second-degree depraved-heart murder, manslaughter, second-degree assault, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent manslaughter, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment.

Prosecutors allege that Gray died as the result of injuries suffered in the police transport van.

The Goodson trial will start Thursday.

Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams will preside

On Monday, Williams granted the officer's request to preclude testimony that is considered hearsay, court officials say. The judge also denied Goodson's request to dismiss the case due to allegedly violating his right to a speedy trial, and he denied a request that the autopsy report be left out of evidence except for parts that have already been excluded.

• As Murder Trial in Freddie Gray Case Nears, Court Filings Pick Up
• Officer Edward Nero Found Not Guilty in Gray Case
• Officer in Freddie Gray Case Opts for Trial by Judge

Goodson's Role in Freddie Gray Case

Bicycle officers arrested Gray off Presbury Street on April 12, 2015, after he reportedly made eye contact with a lieutenant and ran.

Goodson was driving the police transport van that picked up Gray.

Following a 44-minute ride around west Baltimore in the van, Gray was hospitalized. He died a week later, on April 19, 2015.

• Man Dies Week After Mysterious Arrest
• Freddie Gray Autopsy Deems Death Homicide

After Gray’s funeral in late April, riots erupted in parts of Baltimore City, drawing the National Guard to help quell the unrest. Within days, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced charges against six officers involved in Gray’s detainment.

So far, the only case that has been ruled upon is that of Nero, who was acquitted.

In addition to Goodson, four officers are slated to stand trial in the coming months: Lt. Brian Rice on July 5, Officer Garrett Miller on July 27, Officer William Porter on Sept. 6 and Sgt. Alicia White on Oct. 13.