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Sunday, April 26, 2015

Justice Department Probes Baltimore Police-Custody Death; 1,000 Protest

The Justice Department said Tuesday it has opened a civil rights investigation into the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who suffered a fatal spinal-cord injury under mysterious circumstances after he was handcuffed and put in the back of a police van.

After the probe was announced, at least 1,000 people gathered at a previously planned rally at the site of Gray's arrest. Protesters marched to a police station a couple of blocks away, chanting and holding signs that read "Black Lives Matter" and "No Justice, No Peace" - slogans that have come to embody what demonstrators believe is widespread mistreatment of blacks by police.

Pricilla Jackson carried a sign reading, "Convict Freddie's killers," that listed the names of the six officers suspended with pay while local authorities and the U.S. Justice Department investigate the death. Jackson, who is black, said she wants Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to know that she and others have been brutalized by police.

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51 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thugs are setting up police Officers, and the welfare crowd runs out to the streets ,how about running to get a JOB.

Anonymous said...

Set up 9:37? Did he break his own spine?

Anonymous said...

9:49 Accidents happen when you do dumb $hit. How about, don't be a criminal, or be involved in illegal business, and you won't have to deal with officers. Oh wait, that's too much like personal responsibility. Pathetic.

Anonymous said...

That we don't know 9:49. I believe there is proof on MD case search that he had been in an accident and was awarded a sum of money. It is quite possible that he had a previous break in the spine in the neck region and due to his own actions like running (which after a traumatic injury such as a "neck" injury your life needs to change completely otherwise risk of paralysis or even death is much greater)is the cause of his death.

Gray's type of injury is consistent also with the chin striking a hard object or water such as in a diving accident. Med Ex has said there was no signs of physical trauma to the body. This could but not necessarily rule out that he hit his chin on the pavement, curb, etc etc. We would need to know what injuries were present when he arrived at the hospital because I believe he died a week later so any bruising/abrasions could have healed.
This injury can also be caused by an motor vehicle accident-think whiplash.
People would be amazed at the number of people who are discharged from a hospital with "whiplash" only to discover days, weeks even months later that they actually have a broken neck. Or walk around with a broken neck not realizing it until they decide to have it checked out.

Anonymous said...

FTP

Anonymous said...

OK. Guys kills himself to set up a cop. You moron. These officers set themselves up by being themselves!

Anonymous said...

Accidents should never happen when your in handcuffs. A person is vulnerable and should be protected. Judgment comes from a jury not the cops.

Anonymous said...

So dude has been swimming in the winter waters. Makes sense officer. Your sheeple will follow.

Anonymous said...

It don't matter what his previous injuries are. Once in cuffs you should be treated humanly. Not like a rabid dog!

Anonymous said...

one less thug.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
9:49 Accidents happen when you do dumb $hit. How about, don't be a criminal, or be involved in illegal business, and you won't have to deal with officers. Oh wait, that's too much like personal responsibility. Pathetic.

April 22, 2015 at 11:07 AM

there was no criminal activity creep. they made eye contact and he ran. no law against either. when i was a kid i used to run from cops just to mess with them.

I didn't get shot then but doubt I would try it nowadays. kops are so skert for their safety now.

Anonymous said...

12:43 my thoughts exactly.
just because a person runs from the police doesn't mean that he/she is a criminal. I have been pulled over to for called speeding. The lady pulled over in front of me and I thought about keep going because I was going 52 in a 50 but I stopped behind her. Cop tapped the back of my car then walked by had a 5 minute conversation with the last who pulled over 1st and then he told her to slow down and waived her on. Came to my car and asked for license, registration, and insurance. Never told me why he pulled me over after I asked so I provided all three and he went back to his unmarked truck. My elderly aunt who was riding with me didn't understand why the first lady was let go and we were being kept. I told her I didn't know but I was 2 miles over the limit. So after about 10 minutes he came back and have me a ticket for driving 52 in a 50. The fine was $96. So I asked him how to dispute it he just walked away. Just like that.I just don't get it because clearly he clocked the woman in front of me who pulled over 1st but out of fear of the unknown I pulled over because I am black and I don't know what would have happened. So when I got home I googled cops touching the back of car during traffic stops. . I found an article that said they do that so that if something happens there is evidence that the cop was there at that particular vehicle. to this date, I wondered if I had kept going would he have given me a ticket for 2 miles over the limit or would he had just given the lady in front of me the ticket. Mind you, if you haven't guessed already, I am African American and the lady in front of me appeared to be Caucasian. This was my first ticket in over 12 years so I am a law abiding citizen but because of recent news articles, I felt like I had to stop because lord knows what would have happened. I hope the judge throws the case out.

Anonymous said...

Wrong 12:43 running can arouse suspicion and creates just cause for an arrest and search. Don't even attempt to argue with me. Just ask the ACLU who give the advice to stop, ask the police if you are under arrest, if not then tell them you are leaving, and calmly walk away.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Wrong 12:43 running can arouse suspicion and creates just cause for an arrest and search. Don't even attempt to argue with me. Just ask the ACLU who give the advice to stop, ask the police if you are under arrest, if not then tell them you are leaving, and calmly walk away.

April 22, 2015 at 1:24 PM

lmao. I don't even have to ATTEMPT to argue with you. It has already been stated by law.

Freaking wannabe legal experts like you make me laugh. Go educate yourself.

Anonymous said...

I read or heard somewhere that autopsy results were expected to be released sometime today.
I also heard one of the Baltimore officials speak of the only injury and/or trauma to the decedent was the nearly severed spinal cord. I also heard the break was in the neck region. If this was the ONLY injury that in itself is quite odd as a cervical fracture (caused by high energy trauma such as a vehicle accident) is usually present w/a severed spinal cord.
There are rare instances (mostly in children) where the spinal core can sustain traumatic injury without any associated injury to the spinal column and that is because of a preexisting condition in which the spinal cord is narrowed.
It should be interesting to see what the manner of death is classified as.

Anonymous said...

I heard he was starting to "turn his life around" (after this one last crime spree) and was an aspiring rap musician.

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Set up 9:37? Did he break his own spine?

April 22, 2015 at 9:49 AM"

Spinal cord injuries most certainly can and are sometimes self inflicted, most often when someone is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
It's being reported that after he entered the van (which video clearly shows he did on his own accord, standing and turning head to bystanders saying something and bending slightly to enter the van without hitting his head) it had to be stopped because he was acting out and had to be put in leg restraints. It is very well possible that he did cause his own injury.

Anonymous said...

Family is claiming he had broken vertebrae and a "crushed voice box" both of which required surgery.
If this is true then there would be extensive bruising which will be noted on autopsy report.

Anonymous said...

"lmao. I don't even have to ATTEMPT to argue with you. It has already been stated by law.

Freaking wannabe legal experts like you make me laugh. Go educate yourself.

April 22, 2015 at 1:38 PM"

A person's sudden and unprovoked flight from identifiable police officers patrolling a high crime area gives sufficient suspicion to justify officers stopping of that person.
Can't remember the exact case but do know the opinion was delivered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist in a 5 to 4 Supreme Court decision.
Does my J.D. from Vanderbilt qualify me as a "wanna be legal expert?"

Anonymous said...

Hey Smartguy a.k.a 1:38---- From LegalZoom,

"A Justified Stop

A stop is justified if the suspect is exhibiting any combination of the following behaviors:

Appears not to fit the time or place.
Matches the description on a "Wanted" flyer.
Acts strangely, or is emotional, angry, fearful, or intoxicated.
Loitering, or looking for something.
Running away or engaging in furtive movements.
Present in a crime scene area.
Present in a high-crime area (not sufficient by itself or with loitering)."

Anonymous said...

13%
More to go.

Anonymous said...

"there was no criminal activity creep. they made eye contact and he ran. no law against either. when i was a kid i used to run from cops just to mess with them.

April 22, 2015 at 12:43 PM"

dude you wrong and other is right
police said if someone run from them for no reason in a high crime area it give them reason enough to chase and stop them and search them

sad to beleive but true how i got caught with weed

supremes said its legal

Anonymous said...

running away is not a crime, but running away is prob cause to chase and stop and search you

supreme court say its ok to do exactly that - sad but true

Anonymous said...

Blacks disproportionately fail to submit to arrest, instead running, struggling, and even attacking the cops. That's why they end up getting hurt. Whites who attack the cop and go for his gun get shot dead too. They just hardly ever do it because they are less prone to violence and have better impulse control than blacks.

Anonymous said...

In wicomico its a death sentence. And a gun will magically appear!

Anonymous said...

These cops will say anything and the dumb ass citizens will believe it. Thank the show cops for that. 20+ years of televising cops stomp on constitutional rights has made it an acceptable practice. People just don't know. Conformed sheep!

Anonymous said...

Self inflicted. You idiot. That means intentional.

Anonymous said...

Yup . that's how your deputy got away with murder! High crime area or not pig, you need to see a crime committed. Not just stop random people. People can walk or run away from you cops. They have a right to leave an area in any manner they please. Eye contact isn't justification. Keep believing your stories officer. One day you won't get away with it.

Anonymous said...

Legal zoom. What state? Those sites are crap!

Anonymous said...

Place handcuffed person in back of van, remove fuse for antilock brake system, accelerate to 50-60 mph and slam on brakes....don't forget to replace fuse.

Anonymous said...

I read in several of the many news articles on this that prisoners are secured in seats during transport in Baltimore City.
The Baltimore mayor is eluding more to the officers not calling for EMS when it was first requested by Gray and not that the officers did anything else wrong. It is appearing more and more that the injury could have been self inflicted. Report states Gray did get out of control while being transported and officers had to stop and put him in leg restraints.

Anonymous said...

4:26, Running from the police may not be probable cause but it does raise reasonable suspicion and that is enough to pursue and find out what the issue is according to the Supreme Court of the US. Be my guest and deny it until you are blue in the face but nothing will change the fact that you are without a doubt wrong. Police can pursue when someone runs from them.

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Place handcuffed person in back of van, remove fuse for antilock brake system, accelerate to 50-60 mph and slam on brakes....don't forget to replace fuse.

April 22, 2015 at 4:37 PM"

Another prisoner in the van is now saying they weren't driving recklessly and he heard Gray thrashing around. They were in separate compartments.

Anonymous said...

Where is the video from getting out of the van to the jail?

Anonymous said...

This happened at the Gilmore Homes in the Sandtown section of the city. Anyone even remotely familiar w/Baltimore knows when a development ends in "Homes" to stay away. It's the projects.
Sandtown is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city and most of the blocks are empty and abandoned. Not to mention bloods and crips are concentrated in Sandtown. Sandtown is also heroin trafficking territory. The neighborhood is in disrepair. Habitat for Humanity tried to do some projects in the area back in 2007 but ended up giving up. No helping the residents. It's a completely different world.

Anonymous said...

It's the same as Ferguson, the people out there protesting already are the ones that are the racists. Their mind set is that all cops are out to kill blacks.
Some thought that what W.E.B. Du Bois called the Talented Tenth would lead

the way for black people. A group of elite, educated blacks would knock

down doors of opportunity and show the world what blacks were capable of.

There is a Talented Tenth. They are the black Americans who have become

entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors and scientists. But ten percent is not

enough. For the experiment to work, the ten percent has to be followed by

a critical mass of people who can hold middle-class jobs and promote

social stability. That is what is missing.

Through the years, too many black people continue to show an inability to

function and prosper in a culture unsuited to them. Detroit is bankrupt,

the south side of Chicago is a war zone, and majority-black cities all

over America are beset by degeneracy and violence. And blacks never take

responsibility for their failures. Instead, they lash out in anger and

resentment.

Across the generations and across the country, as we have seen in Detroit,

Watts, Newark, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, and now Ferguson, rioting and

looting are just one racial incident away. The white elite would tell us

that this doesn’t mean the experiment has failed. We just have to try

harder. We need more money, more time, more understanding, more programs,

more opportunities.

But nothing changes no matter how much money is spent, no matter how many

laws are passed, no matter how many black geniuses are portrayed on TV,

and no matter who is president. Some argue it’s a problem of “culture,” as

if culture creates people’s behavior instead of the other way around.

Others blame “white privilege.”

But since 1965, when the elites opened America’s doors to the Third World,

immigrants from Asia and India–people who are not white, not rich, and not

“connected”–have quietly succeeded. While the children of these people are

winning spelling bees and getting top scores on the SAT, black “youths”

are committing half the country’s violent crime–crime, which includes

viciously punching random white people on the street for the thrill of it,

that has nothing to do with poverty.

The experiment has failed. Not because of culture, or white privilege, or

racism. The fundamental problem is that white people and black people are

different. They differ intellectually and temperamentally. These differences result in permanent social incompatibility.

Blacks don’t seem to understand just how tired whites

are with this experiment. They don’t understand that white people aren’t

out to get black people; they are just exhausted with them. They are

exhausted by the social pathologies, the violence, the endless complaints,

the blind racial solidarity, the bottomless pit of grievances, the

excuses, and the reflexive animosity.

Anonymous said...



The lawyer for Gray's family said he believes the police had no reason to stop him.
"They've made concessions on lack of probable cause," attorney Billy Murphy said. "Running while black is not probable cause. Felony running doesn't exist, and you can't arrest someone for looking you in the eye."

Batts said the reason for Gray’s stop is “a question we have to dig into.”

That is what I first believed to be true. Now after research, that may not be the case.

Anonymous said...

Does my J.D. from Vanderbilt qualify me as a "wanna be legal expert?"

April 22, 2015 at 2:50 PM

Since you cannot cite the case you are trying to quote, yes it does. And a lazy one at that.

However, using the information you supplied, I have found the case you refer to, and it would seem you are correct in your assertions.

I would note that before this case made its way to the USSC, to be decided in January of 2000, the Supreme Court of Illinois had ruled just the opposite.

And while it is not an overwhelming majority, 5-4, it is now law of the land.

Aside from you arrogant wisecrack, you did point the way to find precedent. Which I will include below.

Illinois v. Wardlow
528 U.S. 119 (2000)

Anonymous said...

12:33 AM is totally right...whoever the person with the "JD from Vanderbilt" is needs to ask for a refund. Every 2L moron who's taken crim pro knows that running from the cops can't even give reasonable suspicion, let alone probable cause.

Put simply: Freddie Gray was unconstitutionally arrested, even before he was murdered. Here's hoping the family sues the shit out of the cops.

Anonymous said...

9:21-cops don't need "probable cause" to chase someone only reasonable suspicion. Before commenting any further familiarize yourself with both phrases. It will save you the embarrassment of saying something so foolish in public.

Anonymous said...

The attorney for the family is none other than William "BillY" Murphy. He used to be a judge then went dirty. Murphy is a racist thug loving fool.

The M.E. report is out. There was no trauma to the body. There is a frcture to the spinal cord but ni blunt force indicated.

Just more ghetto rats trying to sue. The police have a horrible job I would not want to be out there. The entitled porject dwellers feel they have a right every time a person is injured to cry foul. They need to stop killing one another. That would b s start in the right direction.

As for you street lawyers learn the law law not your racist biggoted ideals. lol

I mclain you are as stupid as they get I and guessing you are the result of a liberal parent that never taught you respect for anyone. I doubt one cop has ever looked into your background. You do not matter. You are just a libtard helping in the down fall of this country.

Double Tap Jones

Anonymous said...

I have to agree.

Once someone is in handcuffs, they are literally "in the custody of" the officer, and he or she is responsible for their safety. Although the investigation is still not finished, and more information is needed to understand the whole picture, the undisputed fact is that he was not properly secured by a seatbelt into the transport vehicle.

When someone is "subdued" it is understood they have been rendered more or less helpless, and the officer has a duty to take reasonable care of him.

Yes, Mr. Gray was a criminal with a lengthy rap sheet, and if he had been safely delivered to the station, he would have eventually received "Justice" whether it was a jail sentence, a fine, or an acquittal. But that is up the Justice system to determine as he goes through "due process".

It isn't up to the cops to make that determination, or to treat him roughly because he's "just another dirtbag." That's where the concept of "Justice" breaks down.

It's a tragedy, but the violent, destructive mobs aren't helping their "cause"' by acting in a manner that reinforces their image as lawbreaking, violent, dangerous, criminal savages.

Anonymous said...

Excellent points, never even thought of it that way. Though it's kind of hard to imagine Mr. Gray was a swimmer (most of them don't) it could have happened any number of ways, due to previous injuries.

Yet one more reason why it's best to wait until the investigation is thoroughly completed, before jumping to conclusions.

mack said...

REALLY YOU ALL DEFENDING A CAREER CRIMINAL ???? SICK SICK.. We all know what happened in that wagon and stop acting like you don't know...The bobo got tired of dealing with his criminal a##$ never getting time for his LONGggg rap sheet and threw him in wagon and sped up and hit a nice large city pot hole and slammed on the brakes and gave street justice..HAHAHA..there it is

Anonymous said...

And was about to start college.

Anonymous said...

And that, in a nutshell, is the root cause of this ongoing saga of "black criminal gets shot by cop (of any race)."

Anonymous said...

When will you buffoons learn that the media LIES to promote an agenda? You like to refer to those who don't buy your silly crap as 'sheeple'. In reality, YOU are the cattle and you're being herded right along. Little Trayvon was a lie. The choir-boy in Ferguson was a lie. And so it goes. The media lies and you nitwits suck it up every time.

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Self inflicted. You idiot. That means intentional.

April 22, 2015 at 4:24 PM"

No it doesn't mean it was intentional.
Self inflicted simply means: Inflicted on oneself, by one self.
A self inflicted injury is either accidental (such as an accidental self inflicted gunshot wound) or intentional.

Anonymous said...

Running with crack cocaine in one's pocket is a felony though.

Anonymous said...

For real 11:21. Don't you just love it when someone calls you an idiot when they are completely clueless.
Self inflicted means intentional-LOL. Clearly a product of the broken public "education" system.
You can have an accidental self inflicted broken neck. Another example would be when someone decides for whatever reason (usually drugs and/or alcohol involved)it would be fun to dive from a balcony into a pool and breaks their neck. They didn't intend to harm themselves by the dive but do. It could very well be that Gray was flinging himself all around his compartment in the van and fell,---- wasn't able to brace himself with his hands and fell--- onto the hard seat edge, fracturing his neck bones. The bulk of these types of fractures presented to the ER are from falls. This would explain the fractured larynx he sustained as well=falling onto something hard at a high rate of speed. If injury had occurred pre-transport he would have died well before the other prisoner was picked up. He had 3 fractures. Even if 6 and 7 (though extremely serious not as *bad*)were broken this leaves 1 more fractured from 5 and above to 1 meaning he would have been completely paralyzed and unable to hold his head up or turn it, which he did in video-several times- unable to breath and would have died from low blood pressure and/or respiratory failure.

Anonymous said...

Reasonable suspicion? Just because you suspect officer doesn't mean you have probable cause. Everyone sees and interprets things differently. Facts are what you need. That's were we've become lost.