* A jury has found police officer Jason Van Dyke guilty of 2nd Degree Murder (which, the judge explained, is 1st Degree plus mitigating circumstances). He was also convicted on 16 counts of aggravated battery (one for each time he shot Laquan McDonald). He was found not guilty of official misconduct. His bail was revoked.
The Tribune has live updates here. Sun-Times coverage is here. ABC 7’s is here. NBC 5 is here.
From the Pritzker campaign…
“Today, Jason Van Dyke was held accountable for his role in the tragic death of Laquan McDonald and justice was finally served for him and for his family, who have already endured so much during this difficult time,” said JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton. “While there is still so much work to do, we believe this verdict represents an important step — one of many — towards fostering an environment of respect and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
This post will likely be updated.
…Adding… Bill Daley…
This brings to an end a tragic, painful episode in our history but must also mark a new beginning for our city. This is a moment when all of Chicago needs to come together, work to rebuild trust between the community and police and re-commit to making every neighborhood safer and stronger.
* Lori Lightfoot…
This is a significant milestone in Chicago’s history. Going against a national trend in which juries almost always acquit on-duty police officers on criminal charges, this jury found the evidence powerful and compelling—as have so many Chicagoans in the years since Laquan McDonald’s tragic death. I commend members of the jury for doing their civic duty in such a difficult environment.
I hope that this decision marks not just a milestone, but a turning point as well. We must pray for Laquan McDonald and his family, and for all those in our city who have been affected by trauma and violence, and we must all work tirelessly to build a Chicago where all can find justice and peace.
* SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Greg Kelley…
“The guilty verdict delivered in the case of police officer Jason Van Dyke doesn’t assuage the deep distrust the Black community has in the criminal justice system and lack of police accountability, but it is a big step in the right direction.
“The city breathed a collective sigh of relief with delivery of the verdict. The murder of Laquan McDonald and the Van Dyke trial poured salt on festering wounds of the Black community caused by decades of city neglect, police brutality and economic divestment.
“For too many, it seemed like Laquan was on trial rather than the officer who shot him 16 times. For too many, it was the same old script with different characters. Now, perhaps, city leaders will gather the courage to address the real issues that keep the city divided.
“This is an opportunity for a mayoral candidate to distinguish himself or herself as a serious agent of change who will not be afraid to raise the issues of divestment from communities of color, lack of opportunities, gentrification and racism.
“We all want to live in a city that is equitable and just. We all want communities that thrive. We must challenge our anger into efforts to unite across our communities to achieve the change we seek.
“The tragic murder of Laquan McDonald — a young man who faced the same personal and external challenges that many young Black men growing up in depressed neighborhoods face — and the conviction of the officer who killed him may be the spark of change so badly needed in this city.
“Let’s hope so.”
* Willie Wilson…
* Toni Preckwinkle…
While nothing can make up for the senseless loss of young life, I am grateful that there is some justice for LaQuan McDonald. Like many, I saw the video and it was devastating. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
This is an important indictment not only of the actions of an individual but of the code of silence within the police department. We cannot have safe communities if we do not have police force accountable to all communities.
* Chicago City Council Black Caucus Chair Ald. Roderick T. Sawyer…
“The death of Laquan McDonald was a wrenching tragedy that has rocked our city to its core. We pray for peace for the McDonald family, and long remained hopeful that they would find true justice through this process. But the truth is, no matter how this verdict came down, the McDonald family lost a son that they can never get back.
“Still, the black community today can find some relief. It appears Jason Van Dyke will be held accountable for his violence.
“Now, we must all recommit ourselves to seeking transformational change to the way policing is done in our city. We must focus now more than ever on demanding the police accountability mechanisms that experts from the Police Accountability Task Force and the Obama Justice Department beseeched the Emanuel administration to implement. And we must continue to reckon with the fact laid bare to us all over and over again since the day the news of Laquan McDonald’s death first broke–that Chicago continues to be plagued by deep inequities and systemic racism. Until we address that underlying reality, the conditions that led to Laquan McDonald’s death will not change.”
* Rep. Litesa Wallace…
It is my hope that LaQuan’s family finds some small measure of peace after their horrific loss. And to the City of Chicago and the state of Illinois, we must work together to move toward justice for all who fall victim to harmful practices for traumatize or silence individuals. I urge law enforcement to take serious the policing reforms implemented in our state 3 years ago and to do what’s necessary to create agencies that have a culture that does not uphold any form of misconduct and abuse of power .
* Chicago Police Board…
Today, the jury returned its verdict in the criminal case brought against Police Officer Jason Van Dyke for his fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. The disciplinary cases brought against Officer Van Dyke and four other officers related to this shooting remain before the Chicago Police Board, but have not been under active review because they are stayed.
In August 2016 the Superintendent filed with the Police Board charges against Officer Van Dyke, Sergeant Stephen Franko, and Police Officers Janet Mondragon, Daphne Sebastian, and Ricardo Viramontes, recommending that each of the five officers be discharged from the Chicago Police Department. In June 2017 the Board ordered these cases stayed because going ahead with the disciplinary cases against these officers at that time could prejudice and potentially jeopardize the pending criminal proceedings and the officers’ constitutional rights.
The Board stands ready to hear these cases once doing so will no longer prejudice or potentially jeopardize any criminal case or constitutional right. The Board will promptly and thoroughly consider any motion to lift the stay, and any hearing on such a motion will be announced at a public meeting of the Board and on the Board’s website at ChicagoPoliceBoard.org.
The role of the Police Board is to serve as an impartial body that makes decisions based on the evidence presented at a disciplinary hearing. The Board takes final action on all cases in public at its monthly meetings, where each Board member’s vote is announced and recorded, and the Board posts on its website its written decisions, which include detailed explanations of the reasons for the Board’s findings.
All charges filed by the Superintendent and detailed information about the Board’s process for handling disciplinary cases are available at ChicagoPoliceBoard.org.
* US Representative Bobby L. Rush…
“Today’s verdict shows that law enforcement will be held accountable for their egregious and unjustified use of force. While this conviction will not bring back Laquan McDonald, it serves as a strong reminder that no one — including law enforcement — is above the law. This tragedy has torn Chicago apart and now is a time for healing and quickly reforming our law enforcement agencies. I call on my fellow Chicagoans to rise to the moment and show the country and the world how we will channel our pain and anger into a constructive force.”
* Whoa…
* Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson…
For the past several weeks, a jury heard testimony, weighed evidence and considered the facts of the Van Dyke case. Today, the jury reached its verdict. As we absorb their decision, let us continue to hear each other and partner with each other – as public servants, police and members of the public – and let us ensure our collective mission is what endures for generations to come. We come from many neighborhoods, many walks of life and many places throughout the world. But for all of us, this is our home. This is the city we love. We have heard that message countless times in recent days and weeks in church basements, in community meetings and from residents in our neighborhoods. And while the jury has heard the case and reached their conclusion, our collective work is not done. The effort to drive lasting reform and rebuild bonds of trust between residents and police must carry on with vigor.
* Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair Kimberly A. Lightford…
“My heart goes out to Laquan’s family as they continue to grieve his loss. This is only a drop of justice in a history full of injustices against Black people and people of color. We still have a lot of work ahead of us in reforming policing, criminal justice, human services and creating opportunities for underprivileged communities.
“Let us continue to organize, continue to let our voices be heard and participate in our democracy wherever and whenever we can.”
* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…
Today our legal system did its job. A jury rendered a verdict that held Officer Jason Van Dyke accountable for the murder of Laquan McDonald.
The tragic events of that fateful night tore our City apart. Yet even in its darkest moments, Chicago, a city of grit and resolve, of faith and family, has shown its ability to come together, heal its broken heart, and move itself forward. We need each other today, more than ever before; to stand together as one family, all of us, and work to heal our great City.
Now is the time for us to focus on rebuilding the trust between police and communities, which has been broken for decades.
Lastly I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Laquan McDonald and hope that today’s verdict can help bring them some peace and justice.
* Garry McCarthy…
“TODAY’S VERDICT BRINGS TO A CLOSE ONE OF THE DARKEST CHAPTERS IN CHICAGO’S HISTORY.
BUT THIS VERDICT ALSO REMINDS US ALL OF THE NEED TO COME TOGETHER AND RISE ABOVE THIS TRAGIC EVENT.
I’M APPEALING TO EVERY PERSON IN CHICAGO TO WISELY AND COMPASSIONATELY REFLECT ON THE DEATH OF LAQUAN McDONALD AND THIS GUILTY VERDICT OF JASON VAN DYKE.
TOGETHER, THEY OFFER EACH OF US THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEDICATE OURSELVES TO MAKING CHICAGO A BETTER CITY……NOT A BITTER CITY.
IT IS TIME FOR US TO RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN IN CONFLICT.
IT IS TIME FOR ALL OF US TO COME TOGETHER AROUND WHAT UNITES US….AND TO STOP PAYING SO MUCH ATTENTION TO THE THINGS THAT DIVIDE US”.
I did not alter that in any way.
* Congresswoman Robin Kelly…
Today, justice was served. While no verdict can bring Laquan McDonald back to his family and friends, we have seen that justice can be delivered to victims and their families.
The process by which this case was brought forward and executed should be an example to other communities around this country. Far too often, the murders of young black men and women by law enforcement make headlines but never make it to a jury trial. This must change.
Many of my family members are in law enforcement and I know the great responsibility and sacrifice that comes with wearing the badge. But that doesn’t mean we should grant automatic deference to law enforcement in deadly force cases. This case must be a catalyst for real reforms at CPD and other police forces around the country.
As a member of bipartisan Policing Strategies Working Group, I remain committed to working toward changing policies and rebuilding the fractured trust that exists between communities and law enforcement because of cases like this.
* Illinois Collaboration on Youth…
We have held our breath awaiting the jury’s verdict in the Laquan McDonald murder trial and can now breathe easier that a conviction has been secured. Justice has been done. But the shooting death of an unarmed 17-year-old African-American at the hands of a Chicago Police officer is a painful reminder of the continued systemic police violence against our youth of color not only in the city of Chicago but across our state and nation. McDonald has been painted by the defense team as a menace, and defendant Jason Van Dyke did not even use McDonald’s name throughout his testimony but rather described him as a black male wearing a hoodie. He was much more than a physical description. The death of McDonald should give us pause and force us to reflect on who he was and what we can do to prevent anything like this from ever happening again.
McDonald was born to a 15-year-old teen who struggled with substance use disorder and a father who was largely absent and incarcerated. He was first placed in foster care at age three and shuffled back and forth between different relative’s homes and been in contact with the justice system 26 times from the age of 14. However, school officials and relatives testified to witnessing McDonald turning his life around by working with a mentor and attending an alternative school in the months leading to his death. McDonald endured significant trauma at a very early age and deserved to have the support and resources that would put him on a positive path and help him to succeed.
Our coalition of youth service providers work with at-risk children and youth every day, but many young people slip through the cracks because we lack the infrastructure to support families in need, especially children and youth of color who are at suspended, arrested and funneled into the child welfare and juvenile justice systems at an alarmingly higher rate than their white peers. Let us turn this tragedy into an opportunity to address systemic racism and generational trauma by investing in education, training and services that are culturally responsive so that we can start the healing process and move forward in the right direction.
* State Senator Mattie Hunter…
I know I join many of you in breathing a sigh of relief that the officer who murdered Laquan McDonald four years ago was brought to justice today.
Nothing can take away the pain his family feels, and my deepest sympathies are with them.
Justice may have prevailed today, but we still have much work to do in improving the damaged relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
In the coming days and weeks, please be thoughtful about the small acts of peace and progress you can make. And I encourage you to sit down with your family, friends and community members and have conversations about how to improve the relationship between law enforcement officers and citizens of Chicago.
* Gov. Rauner…
* CTU’s response is here.
* State Senator Jacqueline Collins…
“We commend the jurors for fulfilling their civic duty in rendering what I feel was a reasonable verdict albeit not exactly what the community was hoping for. I want to congratulate all the activists, journalists and faith leaders for keeping this issue in the public arena,” Collins said.
“The conviction of Jason Van Dyke lays bare the injustices executed by the Chicago Police Department, and frequently abetted by the criminal justice system. In this case, there was a cover-up, and everyone involved should be held accountable. If we do not tear down the blue curtain of silence once and for all, the Laquan McDonalds of Chicago will continue to die in our city. We must never forget that the video – and the truth – were not simply handed to us. Instead, they were ripped from reluctant hands by journalists, citizens and the courts.
“Four years ago, I protested and pleaded for top-to-bottom change. I was immensely proud of all who protested peacefully in Chicago. I was honored to march alongside young people and veterans of the Civil Rights Movement alike on Michigan Avenue.
“Four years later, I urge all Chicagoans to remember that this is one terrible tragedy that is a symptom of a system in dire need of change. We must not stand by while police officers act as judge, jury and executioner on our streets. We will remain united for justice.
“Today shows that Officer Van Dyke’s gun and badge cannot speak louder than Laquan McDonald’s blood. No one is above the law. Our voices must not die away!”
* ACLU of Illinois…
Jason Van Dyke has been held accountable by a jury for shooting Laquan McDonald 16 times and unnecessarily killing him. Laquan McDonald should still be alive today. We continue to grieve for the McDonald family and broader community, which lost this young man too soon. We also remember the many families who have lost loved ones to excessive force by police officers who have not yet received justice. This burden falls disproportionately across the City—96% of people shot by the Chicago police are Black or Latinx.
No one believes that the conviction of this individual officer repairs the problems in policing – not in Chicago nor in our country. While Mr. Van Dyke will face accountability for his actions, it is critical that the rest of us do not yet look away from the Chicago Police Department. In the aftermath of this verdict, no community should suffer abuse or neglect.
The ACLU of Illinois remains committed to working with our community partners to mend the broken system that has allowed excessive force to happen and made the kind of accountability we see today so rare. We must continue to follow through with the reforms of the CPD that the video of his actions helped catalyze, and which must bring systemic change to how police officers serve Chicagoans.
* Gery Chico…
Like many, I was sickened when I saw the video that showed the tragic killing of Laquan McDonald. Today, a jury rendered a decision that hopefully provides some comfort for the McDonald family and our city.
However, our city is in pain and we need to heal — a healing that can only begin when the trust between our communities and the Chicago Police Department starts to rebuild. We must remember that Jason VanDyke’s actions do not represent the character of the vast majority of our police officers.
My hope is that protests are peaceful to honor the memory of Laquan. Let us work together as a city to ensure this senseless tragedy never happens again.
* Sen. Kwame Raoul…
Justice was done today, as a jury of his peers held Jason Van Dyke accountable for the murder of Laquan McDonald. Our criminal justice system has done its job, but the work of healing and reform is just beginning. While this verdict was about one incident within one city’s police department, it has shed light throughout the state and throughout the country on the need to focus on law enforcement reform. The work towards that end does not stop with this verdict, nor with the consent decree that this case brought about. I appeal to communities throughout the city and state to come together towards improved safety, accountability and mutual respect.
* Senate President John Cullerton…
“Justice is the reason we have the rule of law. This conviction brings justice for the killing of Laquan McDonald. It is my hope that it begins to restore some semblance of faith in our systems and belief that we all have the right to equal treatment and protection under the law.”
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:08 pm:
Racism and police brutality are very real. Van Dyke brutally murdered a young black man, shooting him not once or twice, but sixteen times.
As a voter, I support spending tax dollars to help high crime/low income areas as a top priority. It’s past time to start healing our grave wrongs.
- NIU Grad - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:10 pm:
Thank God.
Politically, it will be very interesting to see Rauner’s statement.
Also, I hope that conservatives/FOP don’t revolt against McMahon in Kane County. He deserves praise for stepping up to do what Cook County couldn’t.
- Oly - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:12 pm:
I’m pro-Trump, pro-Kavanaugh, and pro-cop; but I agree with this decision. Van Dyke murdered that kid. Justice prevailed.
- Actual Red - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:12 pm:
I am surprised, and in a good way for once. Let’s hope this leads to other officers being held accountable for their crimes, and causes them to think more carefully before making the decision to end someone’s life.
- Groundhog Day - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:13 pm:
My millennial son texted me that he could not imagine violence breaking out, regardless what the verdict was. I told him that I am glad his life has given him the chance to think that. Progress(exclamation point)
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:13 pm:
Foxx did what she was elected to do.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:16 pm:
If not for the video, this very likely would never have gone to trial. There are at least three other officers facing trial, accused of lying about what happened that night in a misguided attempt to help Van Dyke. There is no room on any police force for that kind of thing, yet most of know that it happens all the time.
This time there was video. That made all the difference. Hopefully body cams and dash board video and the multitude of private cameras all over will make police officers think twice before lying and maintaining the blue wall.
I think the jury got it right.
- NIU Grad - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:18 pm:
“Foxx did what she was elected to do.”
The State’s Attorney had nothing to do with this case. They’re not even paying the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office for their work.
- frisbee - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:24 pm:
Stay classy FOP
- TKMH - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:24 pm:
From Burge to Van Dyke—the arc has begun to bend, if only by a little.
Rahm should be ashamed of his conduct throughout this episode. He is now politically complicit in covering up a crime. I write that as a former supporter of his.
- Ed Higher - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:26 pm:
As a Chicago dweller, I’m relieved for the city that it went this way.
- Demoralized - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:27 pm:
There were nearly a thousand fatal police shootings in each of the past 3 years and more than 700 this year. I’ve not seen a rash of prosecutions of police officers as a result of this so the FOP statement is just ridiculous.
- Huh? - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:28 pm:
I just hope that the various communities will be satisfied with the verdict and stay calm.
- Cubs in '16 - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:30 pm:
As statements are issued calling for prayers for the McDonald family it would be nice to see calls for prayers for the Van Dyke family as well. They are hurting too.
- Kayak - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:31 pm:
Chris Southwood should resign immediately.
- Anonymous - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:33 pm:
For an organization that purports to represent people committed to enforcing the law, The FOP has zero respect for the rule of law.
- Jibba - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:33 pm:
Man, that FOP statement shows a Raunerian level of disconnect with reality.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:34 pm:
FOP statement tells us not to believe our eyes (the video) but what FOP tells us.
Reminiscent of Trump’s statement, “What you see and read is not what’s happening.”
- Demoralized - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:36 pm:
As much as I feel for the family of Laquan McDonald and I’m glad they got the justice they sought, I think it’s also important to acknowledge the hurt that Van Dyke’s family has and is now suffering. He has two young daughters. Two families were destroyed by his actions.
- sulla - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:37 pm:
The ILFOP is apparently unaware that Judge Dredd was supposed to be a work of dystopian fiction, not a goal to actively work towards.
- Keyrock - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:38 pm:
The trial judge issued many rulings that favored the defendant. It’s going to be a tough appeal.
- wordslinger - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:41 pm:
Yo McCarthy, the all-caps screed doesn’t really lend itself to unity and calming the waters.
Dial it down to 12.
- Actual Red - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:42 pm:
Every time I think the FOP can’t be more cartoonishly villainous, they drop one of these statements.
I mean it reads like a mob shakedown - “Pretty nice city you got here, would be a shame if something happened to it. So no snitching!”
- Cheryl44 - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:44 pm:
Jerry McCarthy needs to turn off his cap lock.
You will never know how many times I had to reqrite that to keep Rich from banning me.
- Kayak - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:47 pm:
No comment regarding video and the death penalty Bruce?
- 5th Floor - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:50 pm:
Many doubted McCarthy’s initial campaign expenditure on a morse code machine but now I get it.
- @misterjayem - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:52 pm:
I was very disappointed in the way that many in Chicago — from the press to some schools to the business community — presumed that rioting would follow the verdict.
I didn’t see all the local coverage, but the twitter feeds of too many local news folks may as well have read: “FEAR‼ FEAR‼ FEAR‼ FEAR‼”
– MrJM
- Archpundit - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 2:56 pm:
Gerry/Jerry/Jeri/WHATEVER is really making himself look like a competent professional.
The FOP, wow.
- I Miss Bentohs - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:05 pm:
Tragic. The conviction I mean. I hope Trump pardons before the weekend is over.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:06 pm:
I have always thought Joe McMahon was a great state’s attorney.
Still hard to believe the GOP squeezed him out of the Attorney General’s race to make way for…Erika Harold.
- West Side the Best Side - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:07 pm:
Going to try again, because first comment disappeared. There are people out there who are talking about a second Chicago fire. Hopefully there will not be any violence as Groundhog Day’s son feels, but there are some extreme people out there.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:09 pm:
The disappointment I feel towards McCarthy and the FOP is incredibly high, and reading both, it’s tough to see where either see what happens… on that video.
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:09 pm:
From an emotional point of view, people are saying the jury got it right. From a legal point of view, it’s very possible the jury got it wrong. Although the jury isn’t to blame. The case was likely charged wrong to begin with. This will be a very interesting case on appeal. There is definitely a case to be looked at for inconsistent verdicts. I’m not sure that I have ever seen first degree murder charges along with all of the aggravated battery charges. I’m quite sure we haven’t heard the last of this case. I think as the emotions wear off on things being so recent - legal minds will start to look at this case and it might get a little more messy. The mess will start at sentencing.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:18 pm:
===From a legal point of view, it’s very possible the jury got it wrong===
Did you see the video?
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:18 pm:
Sorry if I double-post, but I’m glad about the verdict. It’s way past time that justice gets done. It’s way past time to make helping people in low income, high crime areas a top priority. I support investing in people and helping the most vulnerable. We just can’t shovel billions of tax dollars to the wealthiest.
- @misterjayem - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:26 pm:
“I’m not sure that I have ever seen first degree murder charges along with all of the aggravated battery charges.”
You should get out more.
– MrJM
- Grand Avenue - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:27 pm:
Second Degree Murder seems right considering the evidence presented.
He shot him, he knew he shot him, he intended to kill or do great bodily harm.
He genuinely thought he was in danger, but it was an unreasonable assessment of the situation.
- wordslinger - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
–Tragic. The conviction I mean. I hope Trump pardons before the weekend is over.–
Those two times you took eighth-grade civics must have been rough.
- Original Rambler - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
I used to be a solid cop supporter but no more. Ever since the video surfaced, and I read the FOP’s statements and see the new president they elected and their Burge statement, they have fallen significntly. I’m kinda hoping the new mayor takes them down a peg in negotiations.
And I am watching, maybe more closely, what happens to all those cops who decided to submit false statements to cover for their fellow officer.
- Ebenezer - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:32 pm:
FOP statement crystallizes my discomfort with some public sector unions. The organizational imperative to defend the member regardless of the facts. Even when the member in question’s behavior is indefensible.
How can you remake the CPD into a credible, trusted organization with a partner like the FOP?
- JS Mill - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:38 pm:
One officer out of many decided to discharge his weapon 16 times.
This case is obvious to everyone who watched the video.
The conviction is justified and sound from a leal standpoint.
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:38 pm:
@47 - of course I saw the video. My comment wasn’t on the video. There can be a huge difference between some pieces of evidence and legal technicalities. I was merely pointing that out.
@MrJm - I actually get out quite a bit. I’m simply saying I’ve never seen it. It would be easy to prove me wrong by showing that it happens all the time. Have any specific cases you can reference? I’d be glad to admit that I’m wrong.
- Grand Avenue - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:45 pm:
Something seems weird though that if you shoot and kill someone because of a genuine but reasonable fear, then you could be found guilty of both 2nd Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery, but the Aggravated Battery would have the higher and controlling sentence.
- Arthur Andersen - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:50 pm:
Looks to me like the jury got it right. Van Dyke, aside from the facts of the case, was not helped as I see it by an ineffective lineup of expert witnesses and a 3-D sim recreation of the scene that seemed to bolster the Prosecution’s case more than his own.
Now I pray for both families and for the healing to begin.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:54 pm:
Failing to get the official misconduct charge might come back to haunt the State at sentencing.
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:56 pm:
The murder 2 charge is genuine but reasonable to JVD, the jury is saying he was mistaken in that belief. But the question remains, Can someone AGG/BATT FIREARM a person who is already deceased? If that is the case shouldn’t every murder committed with a firearm have AGG/BATT FIREARM charges for the number of times the gun was fired? I assure you that isn’t the case. AGG/BATT FIREARM usually go along with attempted murder charges. I get that everyone wants their voices to be heard right now and I’m not taking that away from anyone. It’s likely too soon to discuss future legal outcomes. I’m just saying sentencing (consecutive or concurrent) - murder 2 is probationary - and the appeals process may make people feel more uncomfortable than they feel today.
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 3:58 pm:
Probationable
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:01 pm:
===There can be a huge difference between some pieces of evidence and legal technicalities. I was merely pointing that out.===
You were doing a lot more than pointing out some abstract legal hypothetical and this isn’t a criminal law lecture. You were trying to suggest this jury messed up somehow. You said:
“I’m quite sure we haven’t heard the last of this case. I think as the emotions wear off on things being so recent - legal minds will start to look at this case and it might get a little more messy.”
That sounds to me like you’re trying to minimize this. Go ahead and defend Van Dyke if you want, but please don’t try to hide behind your alleged grasp of the legal particulars of this case.
- Wensicia - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:01 pm:
Many African Americans are standing up for justice received today instead of having to take a knee. It’s a work in progress.
- 47th Ward - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:01 pm:
===Probationable===
Delusional.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:02 pm:
I don’t know what one or two aggravated batteries means compared to 16. But lying about what you did after you did it is a reason to give someone more years to me at least.
- Tomas - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:10 pm:
That investigative reporter who was responsible for prying the video loose is a hero in my eyes. Hope I can thank him in person some day.
- W.S. Wolcott - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:14 pm:
@3D Checkers - lying is a different charge. If he did lie he should be charged with lying - not have some years tacked on to an unrelated charge just to keep him locked up. Ideally , and though not always effective, the legal system is set up to prevent such arbitrary punishment. Criminal justice reform asks for even handed and precise administration of punishment. Don’t fall victim to lessening that ideal by trying to run up the score on a guy you think lied. That shouldn’t happen to anyone.
- Freezeup - Friday, Oct 5, 18 @ 4:19 pm:
#NotMyFOPpresident.
Very poor representation of the membership. Demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the case. Not what needed to be said today.
My heart goes out the the families of all involved. I hope everyone remembers that the families didn’t ask for any of this.
Today isn’t the day for it but come Monday morning, CPD better roll up their sleeves and get to work. Use of force training. Firearms training. Report writing training. Training in courtroom testimony. Proper investigation and documentation of use of force.
The city needs to understand if not admit their guilt in this too. Poor management internally and externally. Plenty of blame to go around from top to bottom.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Tuesday, Oct 9, 18 @ 9:14 am:
Anyone ask Chris Southwood which political operatives are stabbing the police in the back? We know that Rahm and the city council tried to hide the video. So who are these “political operatives”? The prosecutors? But isn’t it their job to prosecute? Politicians who don’t insist on better training and better screening? Maybe.
I think it’s Moses fault. He did bring the 10 commandments down from the mountain.
- Just learning - Tuesday, Oct 9, 18 @ 12:53 pm:
I am glad justice was somewhat served and hope this is a wake up call that no one should be above the law and especially the law. Frankly I wish that all Police everywhere would be required to wear cameras including Prison Guards. I am appalled by the FOP statement. My heart goes out to both families.