The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police called upon Baltimore state’s attorney Marilyn Mosby to recuse herself from the case that charges six Baltimore Police Officers on multiple counts of criminal activity, in relation to the death of Freddie Gray.
Lodge President Gene Ryan writes in a letter that Mosby should appoint a independent prosecutor, for several reasons including her close connection to the Gray family lawyer William H. “Billy” Murphy Jr. and her marriage to Baltimore city councilman Nick Mosby.
“Most importantly, it is clear that your husband’s political future will be directly impacted, for better or worse, by the outcome of your investigation. In order to avoid any appearance of impropriety or a violation of the professional rules of professional responsibility,” Ryan writes in the letter. “I ask that you appointed special prosecutor to determine whether or not any charges should be filed.”
Ryan also says the officers had no involvement in the death of Gray, whose spine was severed during his detainment with BPD this month.
“As tragic as this situation is, none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of Mr. Gray,“ Ryan writes.
He continues, “I have very deep concerns about the many conflicts of interest presented by your office conducting an investigation in this case. These conflicts include your personal and professional relations with Gray family attorney, William Murphy, and the lead prosecutor’s connections with members of the local media.”
“Based on several nationally televised interviews, these reporters are likely to be witnesses in any potential litigation regarding this incident,” Ryan adds.
According to the Baltimore Sun Murphy donated $5,000 to Mosby’s campaign last year and served on her transition committee as well.
Mosby’s spokeswoman Rochelle Ritchie responded to the allegations of conflicts of interest, telling the Sun, “State’s attorney Marilyn Mosby has been elected by the residence in Baltimore City to uphold the law and every neighborhood including her own, regardless of if her husband is the councilman within the district where numerous crimes occur.”
“Hundreds of people donated to her campaign. There is no conflict of interest rounding Billy Murphy. He is representing the family in a civil case which has nothing to do with the criminal case,” said Ritchie.
