Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced this morning that the 25-year-old’s death in police custody was a homicide, and that six Baltimore officers would be charged criminally. What are the next steps for the prosecution in the investigation into Freddie Gray’s death? Also, the new documentary "Misery Loves Comedy," explores the oft-debated idea that comics are depressives who have led unhappy lives. Then, it's T-G-I-Filmweek!
Next steps to investigating Freddie Gray’s death as six Baltimore police officers face charges
Promising justice for Freddie Gray, Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced this morning that the 25-year-old’s death in police custody was a homicide, and that six Baltimore officers would be charged criminally.
Mosby’s speech was pointed, yet emotional. In it, she said she heard protesters cries for “no justice, no peace” and urged them to remain peaceful while she pursues justice. She thanked the Baltimore Police Department for its hard work, and noted that the charges on the six officers shouldn’t be an indictment on the entire department.
Officer Caesar Goodson, Jr., who drove the police van that carried Freddie Gray, is charged with second-degree murder, the most serious of any of the charges the six officers face. Others include involuntary manslaughter, misconduct in office, and false imprisonment. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake also held a press conference this morning to announce that five of the six officers charged were in custody.
How is the city of Baltimore reacting to the news of the criminal charges filed? What are the next steps for the prosecution in the investigation into Freddie Gray’s death? Are the officers responsible for Freddie Gray’s death?
Guests:
Peter Moskos, associate professor in the Department of Law and Police Science at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He was a Baltimore City Police Officer from 1999-2001.
Dr. Michael Baden, M.D., former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City and former chief forensic pathologist for the New York State Police; Last year, Dr. Baden performed an independent autopsy on Michael Brown at the request of Brown’s family.
David A. Harris, Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, where he studies, writes and teaches about police behavior and regulation. He’s the author of “Good Cops: The Case for Preventive Policing” (The New Press, 2005)
Michael Schwartz, Partner at the law firm Rains Lucia Stern, who specializes in defending police officers. He defended one of the officers in the Kelly Thomas trial
Lance Lucas, President of the Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce
Filmweek: 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' 'Far from the Madding Crowd,' 'Iris' and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Lael Loewenstein, Tim Cogshell, and Charles Solomon review this week’s releases, including the blockbuster sequel, "Avengers: Age of Ultron," Carey Mulligan in the period drama "Far from the Madding Crowd," the Albert Maysles documentary "Iris," and more.
TGI-Filmweek!
Your Favorite Movies of the 1990s
Guests:
Lael Loewenstein, film critic for KPCC and Variety
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC and Alt Film Guide
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC and Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine
Comedy lovers try to crack the connection between misery and hilarity
The new documentary "Misery Loves Comedy," featuring a long list of funny people such as Janeane Garofalo and Christopher Guest, explores the oft-debated idea that comics are depressives who have led unhappy lives.
Take Larry David, for example - the beloved creator of “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. David's personality is famously discontented, pessimistic, and side-splitting. So to know that he's described as a comic's comic indicates what a dark bunch of fools dedicate themselves to making people laugh.
Joel Warner studied comics for his recent book, "The Humor Code." Warner says personality tests conducted on comics shows they are no more sad nor more happy the rest of humanity.
Do you see a connection between misery and comedy? Assuming you're funny, what inspires your humor?
Guests:
Jamie Masada, Founder and Owner, The Laugh Factory
Joel Warner, Co-Author, "The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny." (2015; Simon & Schuster)