The six Baltimore police officers indicted in the death of Freddie Gray have pleaded not guilty to all charges against them, court records said.
The officers entered their pleas on Monday, the records showed.
The six officers face charges that, if they are convicted, could lead to decades in prison, based on their alleged actions in Gray’s death. Among them: illegal arrest, misconduct, assault and involuntary manslaughter.
Gray, 25, was arrested on a weapons charge April 12 but suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in police custody that led to his death seven days later. His death sparked protests and riots in Baltimore.
The six officers pleading not guilty are Officer Garrett E. Miller, who joined the force in 2012; Lt. Brian W. Rice, an officer since 1997; Officer Edward M. Nero, on the job since 2012; Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr., a veteran since 1999; Sgt. Alicia D. White, on the force since 2010; and Officer William G. Porter, who joined the force in 2012.
Goodson, who prosecutors say was driving the van used to transport Gray after his arrest, faces the most charges, and the most severe: second-degree depraved-heart murder.
For their part, prosecutors “look forward to trying this case,” Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said Tuesday.
“The defendants have all entered not guilty pleas, which is their right. All defendants in this case are presumed innocent, until or unless they are found guilty,” Mosby said.
The U.S. Justice Department is also looking into the Gray case under a civil rights inquiry.