Update: Maryland's top prosecutor said today there was probable cause to bring charges against six officers implicated in the death of Baltimore resident Freddie Gray. Marilyn Mosby said the death was a homicide and his arrest illegal. The state's findings were "comprehensive, thorough and independent". Citizens across Baltimore broke into celebration upon hearing of the investigation's results. Gray died while shackled inside a police van but not restrained by a seat belt during what could have been a "rough ride". The driver of the van, Caesar Goodson, faces the most serious charge of second degree murder. The others are charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault, false imprisonment, and official misconduct. Gray was arrested for allegedly carrying an illegal switchblade knife. The knife in his possession was actually a legal pocketknife.
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credit: Tom Toles, Washington Post
Wackydoodle sez: Guess that make's ya'll thugs, doan it! |
For every anecdote about a cop injured or killed in the line of duty there are
ten more abused or dead citizens in the naked city. The fact is Americans have made their armed society one of the most dangerous in the world. Little wonder fallible humans charged with keeping the lid on often make inappropriate use of lethal force when they know the system is
predisposed to protect them from responsibility for their crimes.
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| credit: Jim Morin, Miami Herald |