Report: Autopsy finds Freddie Gray died of 'high-energy injury' in police custody -- a homicide

BALTIMORE -- An autopsy says Freddie Gray suffered a "high-energy injury" — like those seen in shallow-water diving cases — most likely caused when the police van in which he was riding suddenly decelerated, The Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday.

The newspaper said it had obtained a copy of the medical examiner's autopsy report.

According to the Sun, the Maryland state medical examiner's office concluded that Gray's death was instead a homicide because officers failed to follow safety procedures "through acts of omission."

The Sun said the medical examiner surmised that Gray may have gotten to his feet and was thrown into the wall during an abrupt change in direction. He was not belted in, but his wrists and ankles were shackled, making him "at risk for an unsupported fall during acceleration or deceleration of the van."

Gray, 25, was arrested April 12 in Baltimore and suffered a severe spinal injury while in police custody. His death a week later sparked protests over police brutality and unrest in the city, including looting and rioting.

Six police officers have been charged in the case; they have all pleaded not guilty. A trial has been set for October.