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Judge Barry Williams has declared a mistrial in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Baltimore Police Officer William Porter.
The jury returned with a note around 2:45 p.m. About a half hour later, it was announced the note said it is clear they cannot come to an agreement on all four charges.
Shortly after the jury let out, protesters began to gather outside Courthouse East.
Sheriff's deputies put activist local Kwame Rose in handcuffs and brought him inside the courthouse, though it wasn't immediately clear what prompted that.
Porter was charged with reckless endangerment, second-degree assault and misconduct in office in connection with the death of Freddie Gray.
ABC2 is working to confirm reports that there will be a new trial for Porter, and its date will be determined tomorrow. It is unclear at this point how the mistrial will affect the trials of the other five officers scheduled to go on trial for Gray's death.
The second trial, that of Officer Caesar Goodson, is scheduled to begin Jan. 6.
A new trial date will be set tomorrow. We don't know what this does to the schedule of trials that were to go one a month
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) December 16, 2015
State's Atty Mosby leaves courthouse, visible look of anger on her face. No answers to reporter questions shouted her direction #PorterTrial
— Dakarai Turner ABC2 (@Dakarai_Turner) December 16, 2015
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued a statement shortly after the judge declared a mistrial:
A few minutes ago, Judge Barry G. Williams declared a mistrial in the criminal case of Officer William Porter because the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. It is now up to State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to determine whether to further pursue criminal charges. This is our American system of justice. Twelve Baltimore residents listened to the evidence presented and were unable to render a unanimous decision. As a unified city, we must respect the outcome of the judicial process. In the coming days, if some choose to demonstrate peacefully to express their opinion, that is their constitutional right. I urge everyone to remember that collectively, our reaction needs to be one of respect for our neighborhoods, and for the residents and businesses of our city. In the case of any disturbance in the city, we are prepared to respond. We will protect our neighborhoods, our businesses and the people of our city.
