BALTIMORE _ The defense has rested its case in the trial of Baltimore Police Lt. Brian Rice, the highest ranking of six officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray.
Closing arguments will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, and the judge said a decision will come "sometime thereafter."
Rice, 42, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams dismissed a second-degree assault charge Monday for lack of evidence, and prosecutors previously dropped a second misconduct charge against Rice.
Prosecutors allege Rice's decision not to secure Gray in a seat belt after loading him into an arrest van in April 2015 led to Gray's death. His defense says his actions were "100 percent reasonable."
Gray, 25, suffered a severe spinal injury in the back of the van and died a week later. Six officers involved in his arrest and transport were criminally charged. All have pleaded not guilty.
Rice is the fourth officer to stand trial in the case. Three previous trials resulted in a mistrial and two acquittals on all charges.
The defense rested its case around 2:30 p.m. on the fourth day of the trial.
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