Journalists Weigh In On Van Dyke Murder Case, Conviction


After nearly three weeks of testimony, a verdict was announced Friday in the high-profile murder trial of Jason Van Dyke, the Chicago police officer who fatally shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in 2014.

Van Dyke faced 19 counts – including two counts of first-degree murder, 16 counts of aggravated battery and one count of official misconduct. The 12-member jury on Friday afternoon found Van Dyke guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery – one for each shot he fired at McDonald. Van Dyke was found not guilty of official misconduct.

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Journalists and activists are among those who have kept a close eye on the trial, taking note of each witness, argument and exhibit presented by the defense and prosecution.

In the days leading up to the verdict, the Chicago Police Department extended officers’ shifts and cancelled their days off to prepare for the possibility of protests throughout the city.

Joining us to discuss the case and its impact on Chicago are Jamie Kalven, the independent journalist and activist who broke the story of the McDonald shooting; attorney and WVON 1690AM host Kimberly Egonmwan, who’s been covering the case; political journalist Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business; and Chicago Sun-Times columnist John Fountain.

Follow Evan Garcia on Twitter: @EvanRGarcia


Related stories:

Jason Van Dyke Found Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

Police Union President Defends Van Dyke, Vows Appeal

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

A Timeline of the Laquan McDonald Shooting


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