6.4 Million Settlement for the Freddy Gray Family

Credit: CNN

The family of Freddy Gray has agreed to a tentative settlement of 6.4 million with the city of Baltimore. The settlement requires the final approval of a committee that approves city expenditures. The meeting will take place on Wednesday.

Freddie Gray, a 25-year old Baltimore black man suffered severe injuries during his arrest on April 12, 2015. He died one week later from his injuries. A video revealed Mr. Gray, screaming in pain, while being dragged by two police officers to a police van. He was handcuffed,  feet shackled, and was transported in the van-unrestrained   During the van ride, Mr. Gray fell into a coma from a major spinal injury. Baltimore City States Attorney filed criminal charges against six police officers after the medical examiner ruled that the death was a homicide. Mr. Gray was arrested for possessing an alleged illegal “switchblade.”The case attracted national and international media attention after the rioting in Baltimore that followed Mr. Gray’s death.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake stated in a news release, “This settlement is being proposed solely because it is in the best interest of the city, and avoids costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal and potentially cost taxpayers many millions more in damages. The Mayor also made it clear that,”The proposed settlement agreement going before the board of estimates should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial.”

By: Bradley Schwartz
Founder of prisonpath.com