Cummings Statement on State of Maryland v. Caesar Goodson

Washington, D.C. (June 23, 2016) — Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) issued the following statement on the verdict in State of Maryland v. Caesar Goodson:

“Three cases have been heard in the death of Mr. Freddie Gray, and throughout, Judge Barry G. Williams has shown himself to be a tough, fair adjudicator. Today, after weighing the evidence presented by Mr. Goodson’s defense attorneys and the prosecution, he found Mr. Goodson not guilty on all charges. I know that many of our neighbors will be disappointed and frustrated by today’s verdict, and I understand those emotions.

But we must continue to channel our energies into efforts to improve our city for all residents, and continue to improve our police department’s practices and procedures to ensure that the policing of our streets is conducted professionally, safely, and fairly in all parts of our city. Baltimore’s future does not rest on the outcomes of the trials surrounding Mr. Freddie Gray’s death. Baltimore’s future rests on every one of us.”