(CNN) — The city of Baltimore’s Board of Estimates on Wednesday approved a $6.4 million deal to settle all civil claims tied to the death of Freddie Gray.
“It does not represent any judgment” on the guilt or innocence of the six police officers charged in the case, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said during the meeting. “This settlement represents an opportunity to bring closure the Gray family, the community and the city.”
Baltimore officials voted Wednesday on the settlement for Freddie Gray’s death — a deal the local police union said would be “ridiculous.”
The family of Gray, who suffered a fatal spinal injury while being transported in a Baltimore police van, reached a proposed deal with city attorneys, a source close to the family said.
Prosecutor Marilyn Mosby has said Gray’s injury in April occurred because he was handcuffed and shackled — but not buckled in — in the police van.
Six officers will stand trial for charges ranging from assault to murder. All six have pleaded not guilty.
The city’s Board of Estimates, a five-person panel that includes Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, will vote on the proposed deal Wednesday.
The deal “would resolve all civil claims related to the city of Baltimore, the Baltimore Police Department, individual Baltimore police officers, and any other persons or institutions who might be deemed responsible for the death of Mr. Gray,” the city said Tuesday.
“The proposed settlement agreement … should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial,” Rawlings-Blake said.
“This settlement is being proposed solely because it is in the best interest of the city, and avoids costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal and potentially cost taxpayers many millions more in damages.”
But the head of Baltimore’s police union, which represents the six accused officers, said such a settlement would be premature.
“To suggest that there is any reason to settle prior to the adjudication of the pending criminal cases is obscene and without regard to the fiduciary responsibility owed to (taxpayers),” said Gene Ryan, president of the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police.
“There has been no civil litigation filed, nor has there been any guilt determined that would require such a ridiculous reaction.”
Ryan urged the city committee to reject the settlement pact.
“This news threatens to interrupt any progress made toward restoring the relationship between the members of the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore city government.”
Gray’s death sparked outrage that led to days of massive protests, including some that turned violent.
Buildings went up in flames, and local businesses were devastated by vandalism and looting — despite the Gray family’s pleas for peace.
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