The family os Freddie Gray, whose death ager being arrested by police sparked outrage and protets in Baltimore, is facing more anguish after it was reported his mother had tried to take her own life.
Local media said Gloria Darden was taken for a psychiatric assessment after she reportedly tried to kill herself on Wednesday evening. WJZ television reported that Ms Darden suffered superficial wounds and was taken to hopspital, but did not require surgery or extensive treatment.
Her 25-year-old son suffered fatal injuries after being taken into custody on April 12. He died a week later having suffered a severed spine.
The incident prompted widespread peaceful protests in Baltimore and in other cities, as well as some isolated rioting.
Six police officers have been charged over the young man’s death, one of them with murder. In September, the city of Baltimore agreed to pay Mr Gray's family $6.4m to settle civil litigation.
Billy Murphy, the lawyer for the Gray family, issued the following statement:
“Because of an improper invasion of her privacy, Ms. Darden is being thrust into the national spotlight about an extraordinarily personal matter while she is still mourning the loss of her son.”
He added; I saw her today and I can assure you that this kind of publicity is not at all helpful. We strongly urge the media to show restraint. The family asks that you continue to pray for her and for them.”
