Family and friends of McDonald leave the Leighton Criminal Courts Building after the verdict was announced in the murder trial of Van Dyke in Chicago. — AFP photo
CHICAGO: A white Chicago police officer was found guilty of murder for fatally shooting a black teenager and triggering months of protests in America’s third largest city.
Jason Van Dyke fired 16 bullets into 17-year-old Laquan McDonald during the 2014 confrontation.
The slaying was captured on police video that showed the knife-wielding teen appearing to walk away from officers when he was shot.
Jason Van Dyke
The 12-person jury reached a verdict just one day after beginning deliberations.
They chose to dispense of first-degree murder charges, and instead convicted Van Dyke of lesser second-degree murder.
The officer was also found guilty of 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm – for each bullet he fired – and acquitted of one count of official misconduct.
“This is a victory for America,” said McDonald’s great-uncle and family spokesman Marvin Hunter.
“Laquan McDonald represents all of the victims that suffered what he suffered.”
The city of Chicago had already reached a US$5 million civil settlement with McDonald’s family.
A jubilant crowd – some of whom told local media that they were in shock over the outcome – grew steadily in the city’s downtown business district, demanding additional resignations of city officials and more police reform.
“This is historic for Chicago,” community organiser Janette Wilson told reporters.
“I would hope that the people of Chicago will really look at this case as a model for the nation.”
The city had been on edge in advance of the verdict, since the case had already caused political upheaval and months of earlier protests.
City officials and business owners beefed up security as the trial neared an end, while thousands of police officers were deployed to the streets.
Lead prosecutor Joe McMahon said he hoped the verdict “begins a new chapter in the relationship between law enforcement and the community.”
“It provides validation and a sense of justice for many residents,” he said.
The jury reached its verdict after 10 days of testimony in which the officer claimed self-defence, while the prosecution accused him of making a rash and unjustified decision to shoot.
The trial had hinged on the video footage showing Van Dyke continuing to fire bullet after bullet – even after the teen falls to the ground and lies motionless.
Crucially, Van Dyke is also seen taking steps toward McDonald before firing, even though he testified that he shot because the teen had gotten too close with his knife.
Several jurors told reporters under condition of anonymity that convicting had been straightforward – although they went for the lesser second-degree murder verdict because they believed Van Dyke’s claim that he felt threatened.
“Instead of escalating the situation, he should have de-escalated,” one said, however.
Van Dyke was taken straight into custody.
Under Illinois state law, he faces four to 20 years for the murder finding while aggravated battery with a firearm carries six to 30 years. — AFP