BALTIMORE, Md. — The death of Freddie Gray has been declared a homicide.
That means a coroner has decided Gray did not take his own life.
Maryland’s State Attorney, Marilyn Mosby, said there is probable cause to file charges in the case.
Mosby repeatedly stressed that Gray asked at least twice for medical help and said he had trouble breathing.
She said both officers with Gray at the time assessed his condition and never offered him medical help or called for medical help.
Gray’s death was ruled as a result of his being transported in handcuffs, unrestrained and against police department policy in the Baltimore Police Department wagon.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of six Baltimore officers on charges including misconduct, negligence, manslaughter and second degree murder.
Mosby said Gray did have a knife on him, but it was not a switchblade and it was legal. She went on to call on demonstrators to remain peaceful after this information was released.
“To the people of Baltimore and demonstrators across America, I heard your calls for ‘No justice. No peace.’ Your peace is sincerely needed,” said Mosby.
“To the youth of this city, I will seek justice on your behalf,” said Mosby. “This is a moment, your moment, let’s make sure we have peaceful discussions… as young people our time is now.”
Mosby also spoke directly to police officers.
“These charges are not an indictment on the entire police department,” Mosby said. “I come from five generations of law enforcement. The action of these officers will not damage the relationship between the police department and prosecutors office.”
Gray was in police custody when his spine was severed.
He died a week later in the hospital.
A prosecutor said police have five chances to secure Gray while in a police vehicle.
Gray, a known drug dealer in the area, was stopped without probable cause according to a prosecutor.
The Baltimore Police Department has identified the six officers involved in Gray’s arrest as: Lt. Brian Rice, 41, who joined the department in 1997; Officer Caesar Goodson, 45, who joined in 1999; Sgt. Alicia White, 30, who joined in 2010; Officer William Porter, 25, who joined in 2012; Officer Garrett Miller, 26, who joined in 2012; and Officer Edward Nero, 29, who joined in 2012.
The union representing the officers said they are not responsible for Gray’s death and were ‘diligent’ in the case.