The next trial of Baltimore police in the death of Freddie Gray was slated to begin Monday, but the highest court in the state put the proceedings on hold.
In a ruling issued Thursday afternoon, the Maryland Court of Appeals indicated that it will hear appeals on the question of whether Officer William Porter should be forced to testify during each of the five trials of the other officers accused in Gray’s death. Maryland’s Attorney General asked the high court to rule in the case last week.
Porter’s testimony is seen as key to the state’s case. But since his initial trial ended in a hung jury and he is due in court again in June, Porter’s attorneys are arguing that he shouldn’t have to testify.
Appeals from both sides held up the trials of Officers Caesar Goodson and Alicia Goodson. Now, the trials of the other three officers are on hold. In Baltimore, judge Barry Williams was set to rule on pretrial motions for Edward Nero on Friday ahead of his Monday trial, but that’s all on hold.
According to the Court of Appeals order issued Thursday, the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on March 3. The court is giving the case “expedited scheduling.”
