BALTIMORE (AP) - The defense has rested in the fourth trial of a Baltimore police officer in the death of Freddie Gray whose broken neck in police custody provoked riots last year.
Lawyers for Lt. Brian Rice asked a judge Tuesday to admit testimony from Officer William Porter's mistrial into evidence.
Attorney Michael Belsky said prosecutors deliberately didn't ask Porter on Monday about his role at the stops where Gray was arrested and Rice loaded him back in the van, depriving the defense of an opportunity to cross-examine him.
Rice is the highest-ranking of six officers charged in Gray's death. Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams dismissed an assault charge against him, but he still faces charges of manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.
Because Rice waived his right to a jury trial, Williams alone will decide whether to convict or acquit after closing arguments on Thursday.
Back Pay
Meanwhile,the driver of the van, Baltimore police van Officer Caesar Goodson, will get nearly $88,000 in back pay.
Goodson was suspended without pay after being charged with felonies in Gray's death.
Now that he's been found not guilty, the Board of Estimates is set Wednesday to authorize a payment of $87,705. Goodson remains suspended pending an administrative review.
