Attorneys for suspended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke wrapped up their third day of defense by calling a truck driver who they believe was attacked by Laquan McDonald the night the fatal shooting, and an instructor from Chicago’s police academy.
Stories by Matt Masterson
Van Dyke Defense Presents Fatal Shooting from Officer’s Perspective
Jason Van Dyke’s attorneys presented expert testimony and an animated video that purports to show how the shooting occurred from Van Dyke’s perspective during the sixth day of the high-profile murder trial.
Van Dyke Defense Opens with Testimony of Laquan McDonald’s Past
Jason Van Dyke is the one facing murder charges, but his attorneys on Monday painted teen Laquan McDonald as a violent drug user who became aggressive when under the influence of PCP.
6 Key Points From Week 1 of the Jason Van Dyke Murder Trial
Prosecutors wrapped up their case this week in the high-profile murder trial, which saw testimony from Jason Van Dyke’s partner, eyewitnesses at the scene and the county’s chief medical examiner. Notes from the first four days of testimony.
State Rests its Case Against Van Dyke as Week 1 of Murder Trial Concludes
After four days of testimony from two dozen witnesses, special prosecutors rested their case against Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke in his murder trial for the shooting of teen Laquan McDonald.
Jurors See Graphic Autopsy Photos on Day 3 of Van Dyke Murder Trial
Jurors spent hours Wednesday staring at graphic autopsy photos and hearing explicit details about where and how each of the 16 bullets fired by Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke struck the body of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. A recap from the day’s proceedings.
Van Dyke’s Partner Takes Stand, Claims Shooting Was ‘Necessary Action’
Day 2 of witness testimony in the high-profile murder trial
Even after he’d been shot 16 times, Laquan McDonald still posed a threat because he held a knife in his hand. That’s what the partner of Jason Van Dyke testified during the second day of arguments in the high-profile murder trial.
Van Dyke Trial to Stay in Cook County as Arguments Get Underway
Defense attorneys have argued a fair trial in Cook County is impossible. But the judge in the high-profile murder case said jurors should be believed when they say they’ll be impartial. More from the first day of arguments.
Van Dyke Opts for Jury Trial as Venue Decision Looms
A 12-person jury will decide Jason Van Dyke’s fate. That decision comes only days before opening arguments are expected to begin in the high-profile murder trial.
Van Dyke Defense to Decide Friday if They’ll Face Judge or Jury
Twelve jurors have been selected. Eleven have been sworn in. Suspended Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke and his attorneys have one more day to decide if they want a jury trial or a bench trial, with opening arguments expected as soon as Monday.
Van Dyke Case: Jury Selection Continues as Defense Weighs Trial Options
The lead attorney for Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke says it’s too early to decide whether he will opt for a jury or bench trial. Meanwhile, day two of jury selection brought the total number to 10.
Study: Civilian Complaints Can be Used to Predict Future Police Misconduct
Researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Chicago found that Chicago police officers with the highest number of complaints are responsible for a significantly higher share of civil litigation payouts.
Van Dyke Case: First Jurors Selected as Murder Trial Gets Underway
Several potential jurors were excused Monday, but attorneys did select five jurors – three women and two men – in the high-profile murder case. Jury selection could last more than a week.
Van Dyke Case: Defense Asks Judge to Toss Jury Pool Because of Protests
Attorneys for the Chicago police officer charged with murder have asked for the entire 200-person jury pool to be stricken due to their exposure to protesters carrying signs urging them to “convict Jason Van Dyke.”
Van Dyke Case: McDonald Family Calls for Peace as Trial Set to Begin
A bombshell announcement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a rare public statement from Laquan McDonald’s family set the scene on the eve of Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial.
Who’s Who in the High-Profile Murder Trial of Jason Van Dyke
These are the names you need to know as the murder trial of suspended police Officer Jason Van Dyke gets underway.
Van Dyke Case: Judge Won’t Rule on Bond Violation Until Next Week
A Cook County judge will hear further arguments next week after prosecutors accused the suspended Chicago police officer of violating the terms of his bond.
Prosecutors Want Bail Revoked After Officer Van Dyke Speaks Out
After he gave interviews this week with local media, prosecutors say Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke should be held in contempt of court because speaking about the case directly violates a judge’s order to remain silent.
Van Dyke Case: ‘The More You Dig Into This, The Less Open-And-Shut It Is’
Examining the high-profile trial through the eyes of a defense attorney
Steven Greenberg knows his way around a courtroom. And he knows how to prepare for a high-profile murder trial. The longtime defense attorney weighs in on the impending trial of Jason Van Dyke.
Stateville Debate: Former Coach Suing to Keep Prison Team Alive
Katrina Burlet, who coached the prison's debate team, says she was banned from all correctional facilities after her program was shut down. She hopes a new lawsuit will restore her team.
Ride-Hailing Drivers Accused in String of Near North Robberies
Two women acting as ride-hailing service drivers have reportedly robbed multiple riders at gunpoint across the Near North Side in recent months, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Chicago Police Warn of Cab, Ride-Hailing Robberies in Old Town
Authorities are looking for two to three men they believe are responsible for five robberies in the area this month.
Guilty Verdict for Gunman in Hadiya Pendleton Murder
A Cook County jury took about three hours to convict the man accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton at a Kenwood park on the South Side in 2013.
CPS Limiting Phone, Social Media Contact Between Students and Teachers
District leaders are updating policies on how students and staff can digitally communicate as it works to root out sexual misconduct inside its schools.
CPS to Update Volunteer Policies in Wake of Sex Abuse Scandal
The names of prospective district volunteers must now be run through sex offender registries and the statewide list of violent offenders before they can be hired.
