Charges against six Baltimore police officers accused in the death of Freddie Gray were upheld during a pre-trial hearing.
Today, defense attorneys for the six officers argued that statements at a May 1 press conference by State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to announce the charges against the officers were prejudicial in nature, in violation of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct (the rules governing the conduct of lawyers belonging to the Maryland bar).
Also arguing that Mosby should be recused from the case because of potential conflicts of interest, including her husband Nick Mosby's representation of the City Council district where Gray was arrested and rioting took place on April 27, defense attorneys asked Judge Barry Williams to dismiss the charges as a remedy for Mosby's breach of professional conduct, or to remove her, and her office, from the case.
Williams denied both motions however, and called the suggestion that Mosby could not be objective in the administration of her duties because of her husband's position on the council, "troubling and condescending."
For updates, visit the Baltimore Sun’s live coverage page.
Mikulski Backs Iran Deal, Giving Obama Final Vote Needed for Approval
U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski announced support for the Iran nuclear weapons treaty negotiated by the Obama administration and other international partners.
In a statement released by her office, Mikulski said that, "No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime. I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb. For these reasons, I will vote in favor of this deal."
According to the New York Times, Mikulski represents the 34th vote needed by Pres. Barack Obama to ensure the treaty can survive any Congressional challenge.
BalCo Health Department Installs Drug Drop Boxes At Ten Police Stations
The Baltimore County Health Department (BalCo) has initiated a drug “take back” program in Baltimore County. According to a statement, BalCo received a grant from the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse administration, and used it to install drug drop boxes at ten county police precincts.
The boxes allow residents to dispose of medication and are accessible 24-hours a day, seven days a week. BalCo encourages parents, grandparents, and guardians to take inventory of their medicine cabinets and dispose of any unexpired medication that is not genuinely needed.
Son Of Police Commander Charged With Murder
Twenty-eight-year-old Melvin Russell, the son of a high-ranking Baltimore police commander, is accused of stabbing and killing his roommate in Southwest Baltimore on Monday night. His father, Lt. Colonel Melvin Russell, leads the City Police Department's Community Collaboration Unit. According to the Baltimore Sun, City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby says she has a personal relationship with the family and has referred the case to an independent prosecutor in Baltimore County.
