Officer Edward Nero was found not guilty Monday (May 23) for his role in the death of 25 year old Freddie Gray.
The 30 year old officer wasn’t charged directly with Gray’s death, but was found not guilty on charges including second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment, according to reports.
Gray’s neck and back were broken while in police transport on April 19, 2015 due to an illegal procedure known as a “rough ride.” Gray’s death later set off a wave of riots in the city and protests across the country. Nero faced charges of negligence for failing to buckle Gray in the police van while he handcuffed and shackled.
Nero is the second of six officers to be brought to trial. A mistrial was declared for officer William Porter back in December.
Following the ruling, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said in a statement
“This is our American system of justice and police officers must be afforded the same justice system as every other citizen in the city, state, and country.”