City On Fire - The Indictments

As most of you probably already know, earlier today State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced that all six cops involved in the Freddie Gray incident will be formally charged. The quick decision took most people by surprise since the investigative documents were just released yesterday. Nonetheless, upon the reading of the charges, the group of protesters outside City Hall vocally approved.

All of the charges are serious but none more than the 2nd degree murder charge that is being leveled against the van driver. I think many people were surprised at this one. If anything, negligent manslaughter seemed more likely.

One of the big questions is whether or not Mosby rushed to judgement. And did the recent riots have any influence? With planned protests throughout the weekend, it seems like the timing (and the results) of the announcement could help calm emotions in Baltimore. At least for now......

Regarding Baltimore's top prosecutor, she comes from a long line of police officers. So that would almost make you believe that she might be biased in favor of the cops. However, on the other hand, she's married to Baltimore City Councilman, Nick Mosby. The outcome of all this could have a big impact on his political future.

Adding to conflict of interest, Marilyn Mosby received $5000 in campaign funds last year from Billy Murphy Jr., the Gray family's lawyer. Murphy also served on the young State Attorney's transition committee. For these reasons, the police union is now asking Mosby to step back and appoint a Special Prosecutor to the case.

I really don't see any way that Mosby hands this one off. This case has been a non-stop national news story for the past week. Baltimore's future is literally hinged on the direction and outcome of this trial. If these cops are acquitted, I have little doubt that Monday's mayhem will look like a small campfire compared to what will come next. And leads to the question...Is it possible for these cops to get a fair trial without any influence from the looming protesters? And even if a change of venue was somehow granted, would it really make any difference? The protesters are popping up in cities all over the country.

No doubt, the morale of the city police took a major blow today. After what's transpired during the past week, I can't imagine any one of them looking forward to going to work anytime soon. Expect to see a mass exodus from the BCPD very soon. The only bright side is that when the next round of riots begin, there won't be quite as many defenseless targets to pelt with bricks.....

kw