Hung Jury In First Freddie Gray Trial

A Baltimore jury declared a mistrial in the case of the first police officer to stand trial over the death of Freddie Gray, whose injury in police custody sparked weeks of protests and fueled the nation's scrutiny of how police treat black suspects

The jury said yesterday it was deadlocked in the case of Officer William Porter, but Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams sent them back to talk it over more.

The announcement of the hung jury came Wednesday afternoon, after the city had spent days worrying about the repeat of civil unrest following Gray's death.

Porter had been charged with manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.

CBS Baltimore reports Williams previously decided the jury would not be sequestered, but would remain anonymous for the trial. It took two days to find the 12 jurors on the case -- 5 black women, 3 black men, 3 white women, 1 white man and alternates 3 white men, 1 black man.

CBS News

Porter was the first of six officers to stand trial on charges stemming from Gray's arrest and death. The judge told the jurors they had "clearly been diligent" before he dismissed them.

As the decision was announced a handful of protesters gathered outside the courthouse.

Gray died April 19, a week after his neck was broken in the back of a police van with his wrists and ankles shackled.

Gray's death set of riots around Baltimore, and highlighted a police department that many citizens say is abusive. As a result, many local officials feel the outcome of Porter's trial could touch off unrest again.

CBS affiliate WJZ reported defense attorneys asked for a mistrial and change of venue Tuesday morning because of a letter sent by Baltimore City schools. In it, the city schools CEO said he was very concerned about possible city unrest. Defense attorneys said some jurors may have gotten it because they are parents and it could influence their decision. The judge denied the motions, saying he wasn't concerned about that.

Armored vehicles and police were stationed around the city ahead of any verdict. Baltimore County Public School spokesman Mychael Dickerson said Tuesday that the school system is postponing, and in some cases canceling, field trips and events in Baltimore city through Friday. The county surrounds most of the city and extends north to Maryland's border with Pennsylvania.