Author Stephen King and actress Susan Sarandon joined the social media uproar over the acquittal of Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. in the death of Freddie Gray.
All three police officers charged for their involvement in the death of Freddie Gray have been acquitted.
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The verdict has sparked a furious backlash on social media with activists, organizations and notable U.S. figures like King, Sarandon and Mia Farrow condemning the decision as a miscarriage of justice.
Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson argues the decision is indicative of the endemic racial bias in the U.S. justice system.
“Today is a reminder that there is a set of laws, policies and police union contracts across the country that will protect any form of police behavior,” he said after the verdict.
Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. was facing charges of second-degree depraved heart murder, manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. The verdict was read by Judge Barry Williams Thursday morning.
His defense team argued in Baltimore City Circuit Court that Gray caused his own injuries by falling inside the transport van. Goodson also lacked the training to recognize that Gray was hurt, they said.