Marilyn Mosby Files Protective Order To Block Release Of Freddie Grey Autopsy

Last Monday, Baltimore state attorney Marilyn Mosby filed a protective order blocking the release of Freddie Grey’s autopsy and other sensitive documents pertaining to his case. This move, according to Mosby, was purportedly taken to ensure that the case is treated fairly by the court.

Mosby spoke to the Baltimore Sun explaining that prosecutors “have a duty to ensure a fair and impartial process for all parties involved” and “will not be baited into litigating this case through the media.”

The protective order is also seeking to prevent parties involved from discussing the details of the case in public. It also requests that the autopsy report be withheld from the Baltimore police as six of their police officers are participants in Grey’s case.

Lawyer Ivan Bates, who represents one of the accused – Sgt. Alicia White, suspected that there is more to Mosby’s protective order. He said that “there is something in that autopsy report that they are trying to hide.” Bates continued.

“Mrs. Mosby is the one who did an announcement discussing what she said the evidence was in a nationally televised speech. Now that it is time to turn over the evidence, to ask for a protective order is beyond disingenuous.”

He pointed out that it’s as if the state attorney is doing everything in her power to ensure that the six police officers do not get a fair trial.

Additionally, the protective order also restricts the access to Grey’s autopsy and other documents. Only prosecutors and defense attorney can view them. The court will also be required to seal all new filings that make a reference to information contained in the autopsy and the said documents.

As a result of Mosby’s filing, defense attorneys have been denied access to evidence last Wednesday. They were prohibited from acquiring an outline of evidence and claims against the six police officers and they were also not allowed to inspect the knife that was taken from Grey when he was arrested.

Previously, defense attorney Michael Belsky who serves as the “designated contact attorney for all the officers” filed a defense motion to dismiss the case. Mosby also tried to negotiate this defense motion last Monday but to no avail.

Belsky agreed to give the state more time to respond to the defense motion in exchange for the release of “certain discovery.” He was referring to Grey’s autopsy report, medical records and statements made by the defendants. However, Mosby refused to “barter” over the documents.

[Image via Getty Images]