Defense Rests in Baltimore Officer Goodson's Trial in Freddie Gray Case

Testimony concluded Friday in the trial of Baltimore Police Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. over the death of Freddie Gray, with the officer opting not to take the stand and the judge scheduling closing arguments for Monday.

Testimony concluded Friday in the trial of Baltimore Police Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. over the death of Freddie Gray, with the officer opting not to take the stand and the judge scheduling closing arguments for Monday, reports the Baltimore Sun.

That puts the case, which carries the most serious charges any of the six officers face, on track for a verdict by midweek.

The defense rested its case just before 11:30 a.m. Friday after brief testimony from Officer Edward Nero, who was acquitted of all charges last month. His testimony lasted only minutes as defense attorneys asked him about Gray's behavior during his initial placement into the police van.

Nero described Gray as "very passive aggressive" and said he was screaming and yelling, then "violently" shook the van once placed inside.

Goodson, 46, is the third officer to stand trial, and is facing charges of second-degree depraved heart murder, three counts of manslaughter, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.

Defense attorneys said the state hasn't presented any evidence to support their theory that Goodson drove the van in a reckless manner, noting two state witnesses who said they saw no such proof.

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