How Quickly They Forgot:  What We Learned about Prosecuting Cops from Ferguson

May 1, 2015

State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby today charged six Baltimore policemen with second-degree murder in the death of Freddie Gray, whom they had arrested and transported.  The decision to charge these policemen was made amid calls by the Baltimore public for more information about the case and swift action by the prosecutor.  The events recall some of the events surrounding the prosecution of Darren Wilson.  Wilson, the Ferguson policeman who shot unarmed teenager Michael Brown, was not arrested, indicted or tried. 

Chief Prosecutor, Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby

Lisa Bloom, an attorney and legal analyst for MSNBC noted that Wilson never gave a statement under oath or even filed a complete incident before witness statements, autopsy reports, and whatever documentary reports there were became public.  This gave Wilson a huge advantage in creating a story that conformed to the evidence.  Of course, other factors were responsible for clearing Officer Wilson, but according to Bloom, there is no bigger advantage in a court than knowing what evidence will be presented you.

Those calling for the release of more of the evidence now, should consider the possible deleterious effects at trial.  Presumably, the State’s Attorney has not acted prematurely to satisfy public indignation about the homicide of Freddie Gray as the investigation precedes.