Officer opts to have judge determine his fate versus jury in Freddie Gray death

Lieutenant Brian Rice, the Baltimore police officer charged in the death and arrest of Freddie Gray, has opted to elect a judge decide his fate versus a jury. 

According to multiple sources, Rice has chosen the same path as his two fellow officers acquitted in recent months in electing for bench trial.

Freddie Gray was a 25-year-old prisoner whose neck was broken in the back of a police transport wagon and died from his injuries.

Judge Barry G. Williams will determine Rice’s fate and has also denied a defense motion to dismiss the case altogether. The judge cleared officers Edward Nero and Caesar Godson in previous trials whom faced similar or more serious accusations.

Rice has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and two counts of misconduct in office. He is free on $350,000 bond.

Three more officers face trials following Rice’s proceedings, his opening pre-trial statements were scheduled for Tuesday morning.