Jury Will Decide Fate Of Jason Van Dyke

CHICAGO, IL -- Twelve jurors will decide the fate of Jason Van Dyke, a white Chicago police officer accused of gunning down 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, a black teen, in October 2014. McDonald was shot 16 times. The defense told Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan Friday they would stick with a jury trial.

Van Dyke’s lead attorney, Dan Herbert, asked Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan to strike the current jury panel because of protestors outside. That motion was denied. Another motion to move the trial outside of Cook County is still pending.

Jury selection wrapped up Thursday, but only 11 jurors were sworn in. Gaughan gave the defense until Friday to decide if they wanted to go with a jury or bench trial. Van Dyke decided on a jury trial. The twelfth juror and five alternates were sworn in.

“Monday we’ll be in court,” Gaughan said. “The jury should be here at 9 a.m.”

Gaughan said attorneys on both sides have exchanged 500,000 emails and waded through 180,000 documents. After court was adjourned for the day, the judge and an assistant went through the empty courtroom figuring out seating for what is expected to be a packed courtroom. Word around the Leighton Criminal Court Building at 26th and California is that the trial is expected to last about three weeks. Jury deliberations could last up to a week.

More Patch Coverage:

Jury Selected In Jason Van Dyke Trial: Judge said he would wait to swear in the 12th juror on Friday to allow the defense time to decide whether to opt for a jury or bench trial.

No Bail Change Ruling For Chicago Cop In Laquan McDonald Shooting: Prosecutors had asked for Chicago police Ofc. Jason Van Dyke's bail be raised or revoked because of recent interviews he gave.
Chicago Cop In Laquan McDonald Shooting In Contempt: Prosecutors: Interviews given by Jason Van Dyke violated rules set by the presiding judge in the case, prosecutors said.
'I'm Not A Racist,' Says Chicago Cop In Laquan McDonald Shooting: Jason Van Dyke spoke publicly for the 1st time in nearly 4 years Tuesday, days before his first-degree murder trial is set to start.
Laquan McDonald Case: Judge To Pick Trial Venue After Jury Chosen: Jason Van Dyke, the Chicago police officer facing murder charges in the shooting, can get a fair trial in Cook Co., the judge says.

Photo: Protestor "Brother Westside" (one of two) outside the Leighton Criminal Courts Building Friday morning. | Patch Editor Lorraine Swanson