As Jury Deliberates Van Dyke’s Fate, a Closer Look at the Charges


UPDATE: Jason Van Dyke Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

After 10 days of testimony, jurors are weighing the fate of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Van Dyke, who is white, is charged with murder, aggravated battery and official misconduct in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, who is black. Van Dyke shot McDonald 16 times in October 2014 during a police call and faces a total of 19 counts: two counts of first-degree murder, 16 counts of aggravated battery, and one count of official misconduct. Four additional counts of first-degree murder were dropped before the trial started.

Joining us to break down the charges, the closing arguments and the evidence: Richard Kling, a defense attorney and clinical professor of law at the Chicago-Kent College of Law; and Sharone Mitchell Jr., deputy director of the Illinois Justice Project. Both Kling and Mitchell served at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, where Kling (1976 to 1981) tried hundreds of murder cases, including 28 capital cases; Mitchell (2009 to 2016) served as a trial attorney.


Related stories:

Jury Deliberations Begin in Jason Van Dyke Murder Trial

Closing Arguments in Jason Van Dyke Murder Trial Set for Thursday

Jason Van Dyke Takes Witness Stand, Tearfully Recounts Fatal Shooting

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors