‘High-Energy’ Blow Killed Freddie Gray

Freddie Gray sustained a single “high-energy injury” that led to his death, according to an autopsy report obtained by The Baltimore Sun. The injury was likely sustained during a sudden deceleration while Gray rode unsecured in the police van with his wrists and ankles shackled, which put him “at risk for an unsupported fall during acceleration or deceleration of the van.” Gray’s death was ruled a homicide because police officers failed to follow safety procedures “through acts of omission,” according to the report. Notably, the autopsy "concluded that Gray suffered no injuries to suggest a neck hold or stemming from physical restraint" as had been claimed when he was seen slumped prior to loading into the van.