Friday, March 29, 2024

Verdict reached in Murder Trial of Chicago Officer (Jason Van Dyke) Who Killed Laquan McDonald

*(Via NBC News) – The jury says it has reached a verdict in the murder trial of a white Chicago officer who shot a black teenager 16 times.

Jason Van Dyke faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and official misconduct after killing 17-year-old Laquan McDonald when responding to a report of someone breaking into vehicles.

The verdict is expected at 1:45 p.m. local time (2:45 p.m. ET).

The incident happened in October 2014 when officers came upon McDonald, who had a knife, and called for an officer with a Taser to respond to the scene. Before that officer could arrive, Van Dyke opened fire and shot McDonald.

Dashcam footage of the shooting released a year later showed McDonald walking away from the officers when Van Dyke opened fire and continued to shoot at the teen, even when he was already on the ground. The video triggered a series of mass protests and citywide unrest.

Van Dyke took the stand in his own defense in a dramatic courtroom moment Tuesday, where he said McDonald was “advancing” toward him and would not drop the knife he was holding.

Get MORE of this story at NBC News.

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