The city of Baltimore has reached a settlement with the family of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old man who died after sustaining a nick injury while in police custody in April. The Gray family will receive $6.4 million in a wrongful death settlement.
The Washington Post first reported on the deal, citing two sources. NBC News also reported the deal, which will have to be approved by the Baltimore Board of Estimates on Wednesday.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said in a statement that the proposed deal “should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial.” She added, “This settlement is being proposed solely because it is in the best interest of the city, and avoids costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal and potentially cost taxpayers many millions more in damages.”
Gray was arrested on April 12. While he was being transported in a police van, he was injured and later died at a hospital. His death sparked protests and riots throughout Baltimore.
Six police officers have been indicted in Gray’s death and were charged with reckless endangerment to manslaughter and second-degree murder. A judge said last week that they will all be tried separately.