Baltimore, MD — A settlement of $6.4 million has been reached with the city of Baltiimore and the family of Freddie Gray in a lawsuit the family for the death of the 25-year-old man African American man who fell into a coma while in police custody, and later died. Gray died last April after being arrested and suffering a critical injury while in the back of a police unit.
Initially when it happened, it was though that Gray’s death was caused by white male police officers, and this triggered both non-violent and violent protests, which often turned into looting and arson of the cities local businesses. But later, it was revealed that the officers were both black, white, male and one woman. Police Commissioner Anthony Batts was eventually fired.
Regarding the settlement, Baltimore city mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, commented, “The proposed settlement agreement going before the Board of Estimates should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial. This settlement is being proposed solely because it is in the best interest of the city and avoids costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal.”
Her office also released a statement saying that the city would pay $2.8 million to Gray’s family in the upcoming fiscal year starting on July 1st, and the balance would be paid in the following fiscal year.
Gray’s death was one of many incidents nationwide whereas an African American male died while being arrested or apprehended by police. Initially, it was thought that Gray could have died from self-inflicted injuries, but an autopsy report revealed that he died of a “high-energy injury” that did severe damage to his spinal cord.