A Statement from Reverend Dr. J Herbert Nelson
on the
Trial of Freddie Gray Arresting Officer, Edward Nero
May 25, 2016
ON Monday, Officer Edward Nero of the Baltimore
Police Department was acquitted on all charges for his role in the unnecessary
death of Freddie Gray. Gray died April 19, 2015, from injuries he suffered while handcuffed and
shackled but left unrestrained in the back of a police transport van.
State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby brought charges to
the six officers responsible for Gray's death, however it is apparent
that bringing charges does not guarantee justice. Of the officers being tried, two have not
been convicted -Officer Nero and Officer William Porter, who is being
retried.
It is our hope that in the remaining
trials, those officers responsible for Freddie Gray’s mistreatment and tragic
death will be held responsible. To the family of Freddie Gray, I offer my
deepest sympathies. No family should have to suffer the agony of losing a loved
one to unnecessary violence.
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust
judge says. And
will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?
Will he delay long in helping them?” Luke 18:7-8 NRSV
We
continue to raise our voices in a cry for justice from our courts, and we call
the church to pray that God will give us the courage and strength to have
honest conversations about race where we live, work, and worship.
We must
be clear that a single trial will not repair the great breach in the fabric of
our society rendered by the sin of racism. However, many African American
communities have lost faith in our justice system to honor the lives of their
sons and daughters, and each court case represents an opportunity to rebuild
that trust.
