A Chicago jury has found officer Jason Van Dyke guilty of 2nd degree murder and aggravated battery in shooting death of black teen Laquan McDonald.
People have literally stopped on the sidewalk on Michigan avenue staring at their phones together. Some groups have gathered around a live video stream. #LaquanMcDonald #VanDykeTrial
— Arturas Kerelis (@arturaskerelis) October 5, 2018
Final Act of #VanDykeTrial.
Jason Van Dyke faces 19 counts in the fatal shooting of #LaquanMcDonald.Charges include:
- 1st Degree Murder (max life sentence)
- 2nd degree option (4-20 years)
- Aggravated battery with a firearm (6-30 years)
- Official misconduct (2-5 years)— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) October 5, 2018
Lots of talk about what happens AFTER #VanDykeTrial. I’m told by activists that talks of riots are overblown. They expect things to be peaceful. @christianaire and @MichaelPfleger have been pushing a city shutdown / “economic boycott” if Van Dyke isn’t convicted. #LaquanMcDonald
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) October 5, 2018
Judge takes bench. Demanding Jason Van Dyke’s legal team provide credible evidence there was a threat against his daughter in school yesterday. Van Dyke says that’s why he left the building unexpectedly. Judge threatens to revoke bail. After explanation, “I’ll let it go”
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) October 5, 2018
Daniel Herbert, lead defense attorney, ordered to remain in the courthouse until jury is finished. Asks to go to car. Judge says “you have to come right back.” After judge leaves, Herbert was seen explicitly mouthing his displeasure with the decision.
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) October 5, 2018
Jurors had a question about aggravated battery. There are 16 counts. One for each gun shot to #LaquanMcdonald ‘s body. Jury wants to know if they are supposed to rule based on how they are numbered on the medical examiner's chart or the simple number of shots fired #VanDykeTrial
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) October 5, 2018
#VANDYKETRIAL Verdict is expected in MINUTES. Jason Van Dyke has entered the court room.
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) October 5, 2018