White Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke Convicted of Second-degree Murder in Shooting of Laquan McDonald
Megan Crepeau, Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair
Chicago Tribune
2:15:p.m.: Van Dyke faces a minimum of 6 years in prison
Van Dyke appeared emotional and fatigued, but his solemn expression did not break as the verdict was read.
His wife, Tiffany, seated in the courtroom gallery, wept.
The slain teen’s great-uncle, the Rev. Marvin Hunter, seated on the other side of the courtroom, also cried.
Spectators remained silent, though some could be seen praying.
The judge had admonished those in attendance if there was any outburst they would face arrest. Deputies lined each corner of the packed courtroom.
Judge Gaughan ordered Van Dyke’s bail revoked at the prosecution’s request.
“He now stands before this court a convicted felon,” said Special Prosecutor Joseph McMahon, noting the officer faced a minimum of six years in prison.
Van Dyke was led out of court with his hands behind his back.
2:05 p.m. Demonstrators erupt in cheers after verdict read
“Thank you, Jesus!” one woman shouted as demonstrators outside the Leighton Criminal Courthouse huddled around cellphones and television cameras as the verdicts were read. Those gathered were riveted to the handheld screens.
The crowd was mostly silent as they listened. A few passing cars on California Avenue honked their horns as news of the verdicts spread.
When the verdicts were announced, demonstrators erupted in cheers and began to march on the courthouse grounds, chanting, “Justice for Laquan. Justice for Laquan.”
Earlier, police officers with bicycles formed a line on the sidewalk along the east side of South California Boulevard, to the east of the criminal courthouse.Demonstrators gathered near the steps of the courthouse chanted “Justice! Justice! Justice!”
About two dozen protesters holding signs and chanting were present as they prepared for the verdict. Another group of police officers staged at the courthouse entrance, where reporters and television camera operators also assembled.One police officer, staged on the top level of the parking garage across the street
2:04 p.m.: Van Dyke taken into custody
Judge Gaughan ordered Van Dyke taken into custody after his conviction for second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery.
Sheriff's deputies escorted Van Dyke from the courtroom.
2:02 p.m.: Van Dyke acquitted of lone count of official misconduct
The jury acquitted Van Dyke of only one count -- official misconduct.
1:59 p.m. Van Dyke also convicted of 16 counts of aggravated battery
The jury also convicted Van Dyke of all 16 counts of aggravated battery -- one for every shot he fired at Laquan McDonald.
1:57 p.m.: Van Dyke convicted of second-degree murder in shooting of Laquan McDonald
A Cook County jury convicted Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke of second-degree murder in the shooting of Laquan McDonald.
The eight-woman, four-man jury deliberated about 7 ½ hours over two days before reaching its verdict.1:59 p.m. Van Dyke also convicted of 16 counts of aggravated battery
The jury also convicted Van Dyke of all 16 counts of aggravated battery -- one for every shot he fired at Laquan McDonald.
1:39 p.m.: Protesters begin gathering outside City Hall
As news spread that a verdict had been reached, food trucks drove away from Daley Plaza during the height of the lunch rush, directed away by Cook County sheriff’s deputies.
About two dozen police officers wearing yellow vests were positioned around City Hall and police on bicycles roved around the perimeter. Droves of people headed for the exits of the County Building.
By 1:20 p.m., only a small group of protesters huddled in a circle all on their phones on the LaSalle Street side of City Hall, seemingly monitoring social media for the decision.
1:24 p.m.: Cardinal Cupich urges peaceful protest
In anticipation of the verdict, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich urged the anxious city to follow the wishes of the slain teen’s family who has urged protesters to remain peaceful.
“Let us listen to their voice and decide to pray and not strike out,” Cupich said in a statement released to the media after the judge confirmed the jury had reached a verdict. “To extend our hands in friendship, not in hate. To gather in our mutual pain and ask the Lord and each other for the balm of tolerance and love. “
Cupich continued, “If we choose peace, heart by heart, house by house, block by block, we will show our children and the world that hate has no place in Chicago. Let this be remembered as a turning point – when peace prevailed. Then as Dr. King said, 'We will emerge from the bleak and desolate midnight of man's inhumanity to man into the bright daybreak of freedom and justice.'"
1:16 p.m.: Judge warns against outbursts in courtroom on word of verdict
Judge Vincent Gaughan publicly confirmed that the jury deciding Jason Van Dyke's fate reached a verdict at 12:32 p.m. Friday after less than eight hours of deliberation.
In detailing plans to announce the verdict at 1:45 p.m., Gaughan warned the courtroom gallery against making any outbursts when the outcome is read. He promised to arrest anyone who disrespects the jury because they have carried a tremendous burden serving on this case.
“I don’t want anyone second-guessing them,” he said.
Before leaving the bench, the judge acknowledged the outcome will be emotional for everyone involved.
“Look into your hearts and control your emotions,” the judge said.
12:52 p.m.: Verdict to be announced about 1:45 p.m.
Judge Gaughan said the jury's verdict will be announced at about 1:45 p.m. in his courtroom.
12:44: A verdict has been reached
A verdict has been reached in Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial for shooting Laquan McDonald. Jurors started deliberations Thursday afternoon, leaving the city to await a verdict in a case fraught with racial tensions.
An announcement is expected in an hour or less in Judge Vincent Gaughan’s courtroom. Follow along for updates.
11:25 a.m.: Judge sides with prosecutors on answer to jury's question
Siding with prosecutors, Judge Gaughan sent a note back to jurors telling them they should consider the 16 counts of aggravated battery as the simple number of shots fired.
Special prosecutor Joseph McMahon argued that answer would be consistent with the indictment and testimony at trial.
Daniel Herbert, Van Dyke's lead attorney, objected to clarifying the question at all, saying that his team was already on record arguing that the 16 counts of battery were confusing.
Gaughan then noted that Herbert had asked for an unorthodox jury instruction. He had wanted jurors to be told that if they found Van Dyke not guilty of one count of aggravated battery, they should acquit him of all 16 of the counts. The judge had previously denied that request, however.
11:13 a.m.: Arrest made for threats against 'police officers and public officials' amid deliberations
Chicago police have taken someone into custody following several threats against “police officers and public officials” amid jury deliberations in the Jason Van Dyke murder trial.
Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi described the detainee as “a person of interest,” but he declined to provide additional information citing an ongoing investigation. Charges were pending, he said.
“At this point since charges are not filed yet, I can’t go into specifics as to what the threats were,” he said.
Guglielmi would not say whether the incident involved Van Dyke’s daughter, who allegedly was threatened by classmates Thursday.
Van Dyke’s lead attorney, Daniel Herbert, told Judge Vincent Gaughan that a police report had been filed about the incident, prompting Van Dyke to rush from the courthouse Thursday without informing his lawyers or the court. Herbert said high school classmates of Van Dyke’s daughter were asking which student was the officer’s daughter in order to attack her.
Guglielmi would not confirm whether a police report was filed in regards to the threat.
10:54 a.m.: A question from the jury
The jury has sent another question to Judge Gaughan, who read it aloud from the bench.
The note reads: "On considering of the 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, are we to consider counts as a) how the shots are numbered on the medical examiner’s chart or b) the simple number of shots fired?”
Gaughan then called a recess for attorneys to consider how best to answer the question.
10:09 a.m.: Van Dyke not taken into custody
Judge Vincent Gaughan will not revoke Van Dyke’s bail as punishment for showing up late to court Thursday evening.
The officer was late getting to the courtroom to hear a question jurors sent Gaughan, provoking the judge’s ire. Van Dyke said he was dealing with a threat made to one of his daughters. Gaughan asked him to return Friday morning with proof that the threat was credible.
Van Dyke’s lead attorney, Daniel Herbert, told the judge Friday morning that the daughter’s school had put her into the “police room," presumably to protect her after students started walking through the halls asking “which one is Jason Van Dyke’s daughter because we are going to get her."
The students also passed out photos of the daughter, Herbert said, adding that a police report had been made.
Van Dyke acknowledged that he left the courthouse in the early afternoon Thursday without telling his attorneys after hearing about the incident.
"This time I am going to let it go," an irritated Gaughan told Van Dyke.
The judge, however, ordered Herbert to stay in the Leighton Criminal Court Building all day Friday with Van Dyke.
Gaughan allowed Herbert to gather some possessions from his car in the meantime.
9:30 a.m.: Jury resuming deliberations
The jury deciding Officer Jason Van Dyke's fate arrived at the Leighton Criminal Court about 9:15 a.m. to resume deliberations.
Chicago Tribune
2:15:p.m.: Van Dyke faces a minimum of 6 years in prison
Van Dyke appeared emotional and fatigued, but his solemn expression did not break as the verdict was read.
His wife, Tiffany, seated in the courtroom gallery, wept.
The slain teen’s great-uncle, the Rev. Marvin Hunter, seated on the other side of the courtroom, also cried.
Spectators remained silent, though some could be seen praying.
The judge had admonished those in attendance if there was any outburst they would face arrest. Deputies lined each corner of the packed courtroom.
Judge Gaughan ordered Van Dyke’s bail revoked at the prosecution’s request.
“He now stands before this court a convicted felon,” said Special Prosecutor Joseph McMahon, noting the officer faced a minimum of six years in prison.
Van Dyke was led out of court with his hands behind his back.
2:05 p.m. Demonstrators erupt in cheers after verdict read
“Thank you, Jesus!” one woman shouted as demonstrators outside the Leighton Criminal Courthouse huddled around cellphones and television cameras as the verdicts were read. Those gathered were riveted to the handheld screens.
The crowd was mostly silent as they listened. A few passing cars on California Avenue honked their horns as news of the verdicts spread.
When the verdicts were announced, demonstrators erupted in cheers and began to march on the courthouse grounds, chanting, “Justice for Laquan. Justice for Laquan.”
Earlier, police officers with bicycles formed a line on the sidewalk along the east side of South California Boulevard, to the east of the criminal courthouse.Demonstrators gathered near the steps of the courthouse chanted “Justice! Justice! Justice!”
About two dozen protesters holding signs and chanting were present as they prepared for the verdict. Another group of police officers staged at the courthouse entrance, where reporters and television camera operators also assembled.One police officer, staged on the top level of the parking garage across the street
2:04 p.m.: Van Dyke taken into custody
Judge Gaughan ordered Van Dyke taken into custody after his conviction for second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery.
Sheriff's deputies escorted Van Dyke from the courtroom.
2:02 p.m.: Van Dyke acquitted of lone count of official misconduct
The jury acquitted Van Dyke of only one count -- official misconduct.
1:59 p.m. Van Dyke also convicted of 16 counts of aggravated battery
The jury also convicted Van Dyke of all 16 counts of aggravated battery -- one for every shot he fired at Laquan McDonald.
1:57 p.m.: Van Dyke convicted of second-degree murder in shooting of Laquan McDonald
A Cook County jury convicted Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke of second-degree murder in the shooting of Laquan McDonald.
The eight-woman, four-man jury deliberated about 7 ½ hours over two days before reaching its verdict.1:59 p.m. Van Dyke also convicted of 16 counts of aggravated battery
The jury also convicted Van Dyke of all 16 counts of aggravated battery -- one for every shot he fired at Laquan McDonald.
1:39 p.m.: Protesters begin gathering outside City Hall
As news spread that a verdict had been reached, food trucks drove away from Daley Plaza during the height of the lunch rush, directed away by Cook County sheriff’s deputies.
About two dozen police officers wearing yellow vests were positioned around City Hall and police on bicycles roved around the perimeter. Droves of people headed for the exits of the County Building.
By 1:20 p.m., only a small group of protesters huddled in a circle all on their phones on the LaSalle Street side of City Hall, seemingly monitoring social media for the decision.
1:24 p.m.: Cardinal Cupich urges peaceful protest
In anticipation of the verdict, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich urged the anxious city to follow the wishes of the slain teen’s family who has urged protesters to remain peaceful.
“Let us listen to their voice and decide to pray and not strike out,” Cupich said in a statement released to the media after the judge confirmed the jury had reached a verdict. “To extend our hands in friendship, not in hate. To gather in our mutual pain and ask the Lord and each other for the balm of tolerance and love. “
Cupich continued, “If we choose peace, heart by heart, house by house, block by block, we will show our children and the world that hate has no place in Chicago. Let this be remembered as a turning point – when peace prevailed. Then as Dr. King said, 'We will emerge from the bleak and desolate midnight of man's inhumanity to man into the bright daybreak of freedom and justice.'"
1:16 p.m.: Judge warns against outbursts in courtroom on word of verdict
Judge Vincent Gaughan publicly confirmed that the jury deciding Jason Van Dyke's fate reached a verdict at 12:32 p.m. Friday after less than eight hours of deliberation.
In detailing plans to announce the verdict at 1:45 p.m., Gaughan warned the courtroom gallery against making any outbursts when the outcome is read. He promised to arrest anyone who disrespects the jury because they have carried a tremendous burden serving on this case.
“I don’t want anyone second-guessing them,” he said.
Before leaving the bench, the judge acknowledged the outcome will be emotional for everyone involved.
“Look into your hearts and control your emotions,” the judge said.
12:52 p.m.: Verdict to be announced about 1:45 p.m.
Judge Gaughan said the jury's verdict will be announced at about 1:45 p.m. in his courtroom.
12:44: A verdict has been reached
A verdict has been reached in Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke’s murder trial for shooting Laquan McDonald. Jurors started deliberations Thursday afternoon, leaving the city to await a verdict in a case fraught with racial tensions.
An announcement is expected in an hour or less in Judge Vincent Gaughan’s courtroom. Follow along for updates.
11:25 a.m.: Judge sides with prosecutors on answer to jury's question
Siding with prosecutors, Judge Gaughan sent a note back to jurors telling them they should consider the 16 counts of aggravated battery as the simple number of shots fired.
Special prosecutor Joseph McMahon argued that answer would be consistent with the indictment and testimony at trial.
Daniel Herbert, Van Dyke's lead attorney, objected to clarifying the question at all, saying that his team was already on record arguing that the 16 counts of battery were confusing.
Gaughan then noted that Herbert had asked for an unorthodox jury instruction. He had wanted jurors to be told that if they found Van Dyke not guilty of one count of aggravated battery, they should acquit him of all 16 of the counts. The judge had previously denied that request, however.
11:13 a.m.: Arrest made for threats against 'police officers and public officials' amid deliberations
Chicago police have taken someone into custody following several threats against “police officers and public officials” amid jury deliberations in the Jason Van Dyke murder trial.
Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi described the detainee as “a person of interest,” but he declined to provide additional information citing an ongoing investigation. Charges were pending, he said.
“At this point since charges are not filed yet, I can’t go into specifics as to what the threats were,” he said.
Guglielmi would not say whether the incident involved Van Dyke’s daughter, who allegedly was threatened by classmates Thursday.
Van Dyke’s lead attorney, Daniel Herbert, told Judge Vincent Gaughan that a police report had been filed about the incident, prompting Van Dyke to rush from the courthouse Thursday without informing his lawyers or the court. Herbert said high school classmates of Van Dyke’s daughter were asking which student was the officer’s daughter in order to attack her.
Guglielmi would not confirm whether a police report was filed in regards to the threat.
10:54 a.m.: A question from the jury
The jury has sent another question to Judge Gaughan, who read it aloud from the bench.
The note reads: "On considering of the 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, are we to consider counts as a) how the shots are numbered on the medical examiner’s chart or b) the simple number of shots fired?”
Gaughan then called a recess for attorneys to consider how best to answer the question.
10:09 a.m.: Van Dyke not taken into custody
Judge Vincent Gaughan will not revoke Van Dyke’s bail as punishment for showing up late to court Thursday evening.
The officer was late getting to the courtroom to hear a question jurors sent Gaughan, provoking the judge’s ire. Van Dyke said he was dealing with a threat made to one of his daughters. Gaughan asked him to return Friday morning with proof that the threat was credible.
Van Dyke’s lead attorney, Daniel Herbert, told the judge Friday morning that the daughter’s school had put her into the “police room," presumably to protect her after students started walking through the halls asking “which one is Jason Van Dyke’s daughter because we are going to get her."
The students also passed out photos of the daughter, Herbert said, adding that a police report had been made.
Van Dyke acknowledged that he left the courthouse in the early afternoon Thursday without telling his attorneys after hearing about the incident.
"This time I am going to let it go," an irritated Gaughan told Van Dyke.
The judge, however, ordered Herbert to stay in the Leighton Criminal Court Building all day Friday with Van Dyke.
Gaughan allowed Herbert to gather some possessions from his car in the meantime.
9:30 a.m.: Jury resuming deliberations
The jury deciding Officer Jason Van Dyke's fate arrived at the Leighton Criminal Court about 9:15 a.m. to resume deliberations.
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