Freddie Gray’s death has been ruled a homicide according to his autopsy report, the Baltimore Sun reports. According to the report, the 25-year-old suffered a “high-energy injury” to the neck and spine while riding in the back of the police van. These injuries were most likely caused when the van decelerated, the report says.
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The state medical examiner’s office ruled his death a homicide because officer failed to follow safety procedures by not strapping him in but leaving his wrists and ankles shackled, putting him at risk for “an unsupported fall during acceleration or deceleration of the van.”
Gray was arrested on April 12th after a police chase and died in police custody after suffering a spinal injury. His death sparked outrage in the city and led to riots and protests throughout Baltimore. All six officers involved in his arrest are facing charges including involuntary manslaughter, illegal arrest, reckless endangerment and misconduct assault. They have all plead not guilty. The trial is set to begin in October.