The Baltimore State's Attorney's Office renewed its call for a judge to impose a ban on attorneys sharing evidence in the case of six police officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, after details of Gray's autopsy report were published Tuesday.
"The state is outraged that the autopsy was leaked the public," Deputy State's Attorney Janice Bledsoe wrote. "Even in death, Mr. Gray is not being provided with the appropriate respect that all humans deserve."
Wednesday's court filing calls for a temporary protective order — a ruling that would shield evidence from the public — until a full hearing can be held.
Bledsoe added that defense attorneys have selectively provided information to the media and that as a Friday deadline for evidence to be turned over to them approaches there is a need for a protective order to stop leaks.
The filing does not allege that the defense attorneys leaked the report, but argues that a statement they released to reporters neglected to mention that Bledsoe had told them in a phone call Tuesday that the police department also had access to the autopsy documents.
"Once again the defense has demonstrated their intent to deliberately release inaccurate information in order to publicly cast doubt on the integrity of [the state's attorney's office] and the case against each police officer," Bledsoe wrote.
Six officers were charged in connection with Gray's death. The driver of the van is accused of murder and three other officers face manslaughter allegations. The officers have pleaded not guilty. Attorneys for the officers either could not be reached or declined to comment on the new filing.
The Baltimore Sun reported on the details of Gray's autopsy report Tuesday. The medical examiner's office concluded that his death caused by an injury he sustained in the back of a police van after being April 12. The death was ruled a homicide because police failed to follow proper procedures, according to the report.
Prosecutors first filed for a protective order earlier this month. In that request, prosecutors made an unusual offer to the court and the defense team: choose between being forced to sit on the evidence or post it all online for the world to see.
As of Wednesday afternoon, a judge had yet to rule.
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