BALTIMORE — The trials for six police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray will be held in Baltimore, a judge ruled Thursday, saying that it would be nearly impossible to find a place that was not inundated by publicity from the high-profile case.
Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams dismissed arguments from the officers’ attorneys, who said the days of riots, protests and citywide curfews would make it impossible to choose unbiased jurors. Williams said potential jurors can be asked whether they have been influenced by the coverage.
The defense also argued that the trials should be moved because the city settled with Gray’s family for $6.4 million, sending a message that the officers are guilty. But the judge said, “The fact that the city settled the civil matter doesn’t affect the criminal matter.”
A small group of protesters outside the courthouse cheered when they heard the decision and then chanted: “The trial stays here.”
Prosecutors argued that high-profile trials such as the Boston Marathon bomber and the D.C. sniper were successfully held locally. Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Michael Schatzow said the only circumstance under which a change of venue is appropriate is in “a small community where you have an armed lynch mob at the door.”