A Baltimore judge is poised to deliver his verdict in the murder trial of an officer who drove the police van where a black arrestee's neck was broken, triggering some of the worst riots the city has ever seen.

Caesar Goodson was charged with murder, manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.

Twenty-five-year-old Freddie Gray died a week after suffering a spinal injury in Goodson's wagon, where officers left him handcuffed and shackled but unrestrained by a seat belt. His death set off protests and violence, and prompted State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby to bring charges against six officers.

The sweeping case ended the career of the police commissioner and aborted the political future of the mayor. Some say Mosby's reputation also hinges on its outcome.