Appeal in Baltimore Officer's Murder Trial to be Heard in March

A Maryland appeals court on Tuesday set March 4 for arguments over whether a Baltimore police officer charged in the death of a black detainee must testify against a colleague accused of murder in the same case, reports Reuters .

The scheduling by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals could disrupt the months-long timetable for six Baltimore officers facing trial for the death of Freddie Gray in April. His death from a broken neck suffered in a police van triggered protests and rioting and fed a U.S. debate on race and policing.

The appeals court on Monday ordered a delay in the trial of Officer Caesar Goodson Jr. , the van's driver, while it determines whether Officer William Porter should be compelled to testify against him and Sergeant Alicia White.