Crime & Safety
Anita Alvarez Recuses Herself From Laquan McDonald Murder Trial
Attorney for Jason Van Dyke says his client has been called the "white devil," asks judge to excuse him from future appearances.
CHICAGO, IL - Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez wants to recuse herself from the Laquan McDonald murder case.
“My primary goal is bringing a charge of First Degree Murder in this case and always has been about seeking justice for Laquan McDonald,” Alvarez wrote in a news release Thursday.
She said while the decision was not easy, it was the best option to “avoid unnecessary legal delays and provide continuity in the handling of this very important and complicated case.”
McDonald was killed in October 2014 on the city’s West Side during a burglary investigation by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke, who is charged with first degree murder. Alvarez charged Van Dyke with the crime more than 400 days after it occurred.
The request to recuse herself was officially made in court Thursday by Alvarez, according to DNAinfo Chicago. She said there is no conflict of interest involved, but at least two requests from the public have asked her to step down from the case.
MORE COVERAGE OF THE LAQUAN MCDONALD CASE ON PATCH:
Cop Charged With Laquan McDonald’s Murder Gets Job with FOP
Police Radio Calls of Laquan McDonald Murder Released
Video Shows Jason Van Dyke Shoot Laquan McDonald
In filing the request, which will be considered by a judge and possibly ruled on during Van Dyke’s next court appearance on June 2, Alvarez wrote that since the primary goal is to seek justice for McDonald, it’s important to “ensure continuity in the handling of this important and complicated case,” thus electing to “recuse herself and her assistants from this matter.”
Alvarez also noted the results of the recent Democratic primary for State’s Attorney, where she lost handedly to challenger Kim Foxx, played a role in the decision.
“The impending transition of this office makes this the best and most responsible decision,” she said.
Thursday’s court hearing for Van Dyke, who is out on bond, also centered on Defense Attorney Dan Herbert’s request to excuse Van Dyke from future in-person hearings for his safety, according to DNAinfo Chicago reports.
Herbert claims Van Dyke and his family have been the victims of verbal and physical attacks while entering the courthouse at 26th and California, being harassed, threatened and called the “white devil” by supporters of McDonald.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
