White cop convicted for 2014 killing of black teenager

A white Chicago police officer has been found guilty of murder of a black teenager.

Jason Van Dyke, was convicted for killing Lanquan McDonald after shooting him 16 times in 2014.

The killing of McDonald, 17, triggered months of protests in Chicago.

The killing was captured on police video that showed the knife-wielding teen appearing to walk away from officers when he was shot.

The 12-person jury reached a verdict just one day after beginning deliberations. They however discarded the first degree murder charge for the lesser second degree murder because they believed Van Dyke’s defence that McDonald posed a threat.

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.

Reaching to the Van Dyke’s conviction, McDonald’s great Uncle and family spokesman, Marvin Hunter, said: “This is a victory for America.

“Laquan McDonald represents all of the victims that suffered what he suffered.”

The city of Chicago had already reached a $5 million civil settlement with McDonald’s family.

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“This is historic for Chicago,” community organizer Janette Wilson told reporters.

“I would hope that the people of Chicago will really look at this case as a model for the nation.”

According to reports, Chicago had been on edge in advance of the verdict, since the case had already caused political upheaval and months of earlier protests.

This made city officials and business owners to beef up security as the trial neared an end, while thousands of police officers were deployed to the streets.

Speaking on the verdict, 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.

 

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