Day 2 Of Rice Trial; Security Remains Tight Around Courthouse

RadioOnFire.com - Lt. Brian Rice has arrived back in Courthouse East for the second day of his manslaughter trial.

While security has been increased around Courthouse East during all of the Freddie Gray related trials, there is no signs of any enhanced security following the deadly police shootings in Dallas.

There are two protesters holding signs outside of the courthouse.  

A larger protest is planned for later today at McKeldin Square in the wake of this week's deadly police involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota.

5:30 a.m.

It is day two of the manslaughter trial of Baltimore City Police Lt. Brian Rice, the highest ranking police officer charged in the death of Freddie Gray.  

Prosecutors presented four witnesses on Thursday.

All of these witnesses had testified at the trials of the other officers, but cross examination brought new information from this witnesses.

For example, when Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Carol Allan testified under cross examination that even though the manner of Gray’s death was homicide, it doesn’t mean Rice committed a homicide. 

Another witness testifying Thursday was  Baltimore City Police IT director Andrew Jaffee, who testified that Rice was sent the seat belt policy, but he could not confirm if Rice read it.

Unlike previous trials, there some disagreement between Jaffee and prosecutors over whether a computer Rice would access was being repaired at the time the seat belt policy was released. Jaffee said he could not recall if that computer was under repair.

Today more prosecution witnesses are expected, including the possibility of another accused Officer, Garrett Miller who is ordered to testify for the state with limited immunity.  Miller faces his own trial later this month. 

Prosecutors could wrap up their case late today, though the case is more likely to continue into Monday.

Rice now faces  four charges not five, as before opening statements prosecutors dropped one of the two misconduct in Office Charges Rice was facing.

The charge was  related to an alleged illegal arrest of Freddie Gray. 

It’s not clear if the state has abandoned that theory. 

Judge Barry Williams did not rule on that in May at the trial of another officer who arrested Gray, Officer Edward Nero.  

Rice faces one misconduct charge, along with manslaughter, second degree assault and reckless endangerment.