Freddie Gray’s twin sister Fredericka Gray is embraced by family and supporters during her brother’s funeral the New Shiloh Baptist Church during his funeral . (Getty)
The twin sister of 25-year-old Freddie Gray has spoken out against the violent protests and rioting that have erupted in Baltimore after the death of her brother, who was mortally wounded in early April while in the custody of city police.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. She Said Her Brother ‘Would Not Want This’
Freddie Gray’s twin sister says, “Freddie wouldn’t want this.” @cbsbaltimore #WJZ http://t.co/0Q4aYaQEtX
Fredericka Gray was the first in her family to make public comments in the aftermath of Gray’s death, joining Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Saturday after peaceful protests turned into skirmishes with police and some vandalism.
“My family wants to say, can you all please, please stop the violence?” Fredericka Gray said at the press conference. “Freddie Gray would not want this.”
Freddie, the son of Freddie Sr. and Gloria Darden, had another sister, Carolina.
2. She Spoke Out Again After Protests Turned Violent
“I don’t think that’s for Freddie,” Freddie Gray’s twin sister Fredericka Gray said of the Monday rioting. “I think the violence is wrong.”
The family’s attorney, Billy Murphy, told CNN:
‘I am sure that the family is concerned, and I am positive that they are against what is beginning to develop here in town. They don’t deserve this any more than Freddie Gray deserved it’ he said about the injured officers.
3. Fredericka & Her Brother Grew Up in One of the Poorest Parts of Baltimore
Fredericka and Freddie Gray lived in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood, one of Baltimore’s poorest areas.
Their family sued their landlord over lead paint that was in their home. In the lawsuit, they claimed Freddie and his sisters suffered from lead poisoning, according to the Baltimore Sun. The lawsuit was settled.
4. The Riots in Baltimore Came the Same Day of Freddie Gray’s Funeral
Fredericka Gray, in sunglasses, at her brother’s funeral. (Getty)
The family had asked for no protesting or demonstrations on Monday as Gray was laid to rest. They had also called for protests to remain peaceful.
According to The Associated Press, thousands attended the funeral.
The family’s attorney said at the funeral, “This is our moment to get at truth. This is our moment to get it right,” Murphy said.
Rev. Jamal Bryant, who gave the eulogy for Gray, said, “Freddie’s death is not in vain,” Bryant said. “After this day, we’re going to keep on marching. After this day, we’re going to keep demanding justice.”
5. The Investigation Into Freddie Gray’s Death Is Still Ongoing
(Getty)
Six Baltimore police officers have been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.
Gray was arrested April 12 by four officers outside a public housing complex. Police have not yet said why Gray was arrested. Police said four bicycle officers tried to stop Gray for an unspecified reason and he ran from them. They caught him and detained him while waiting for backup.
Bystanders captured the end of his arrest on cell phone video (watch it above) as he was loaded into a police transport van. An ambulance was called to the police station 30 minutes later to take Gray to a hospital.
Police said the video does not show any use of force by the officers, according to The Associated Press. Witnesses can be heard screaming at the officers, saying Gray’s legs looked broken as the officers dragged him to a transport vehicle.
According to charging documents acquired by the Guardian, police claim Gray was injured while being transported to the Western District headquarters in the van, not during the arrest, which was made without force, police claim.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said on Twitter on Sunday, “Right now we are still collecting details surrounding this incident, but I want our residents to know that we will get answers.”
My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Freddie Gray during this difficult time.
Rawlings-Blake said on CNN that the officers possibly facing criminal charges or discipline have not yet been interviewed because of Maryland’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights. According to the Baltimore Sun, officers are not allowed to be questioned until days after the incident.
Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said at a press conference that “all lives matter,” after issuing sympathies to Gray’s family.
Officials said a task force will review the incident including training and lab personnel, homicide investigators and force investigation, according to the Baltimore Sun. An independent “blue ribbon” panel will also review the case against the officers after State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby decides whether to file criminal charges.
