On Thursday morning, Baltimore City Circuit judge Barry Williams ruled that the trials of the six police officers who were involved in the arrest and fatal transport of Freddy Gray would remain in Baltimore City.

Gray, 25, suffered a severe spinal injury while in police custody followed by his death, according to Baltimore Magazine.

Defense attorneys pleaded to the court that their clients would not receive a fair trial in the city, but Williams immediately rejected their motion. The defense also argued that the media coverage, statements by Baltimore state’s attorney general Marilyn Mosby, the riots following Gray’s death a leak of the medical examiner’s report and the City’s $6.4 million civil settled with Gray’s family had absolutely and completely prejudiced the entire city of 622,000 residents and potential jurors against the officers that would make impartial juries impossible.

But, Williams said their arguments did not reach the burden of requiring a change of venue set forth by Maryland’s state constitutions and U.S. Supreme Court.

Following his ruling, demonstrators vocalized, “That trial stays here! The trial stays here!”

“This is Baltimore’s time to get it right. Citizens ought to be able to look into the eyes of the defendants,” said Rev. C. D. Witherspoon. “It’s important that it stays in Baltimore. Just as it was important that Marilyn Mosby be allowed to continue in the case; just as it was important that the charges be allowed to stand.”

It was also noted by University of Maryland law professor Douglas Colbert that rarely are jurisdictions moved. He added that the ruling was crucial and that if it had moved, it “would almost be an insult to residents of the city.”

“I believe in our jury system more than any other part of our legal system,” Colbert said.