Special Prosecutor Appointed in Laquan McDonald Murder Case

CHICAGO, IL - Kane County State’s Attorney Joseph McMahon will be the special prosecutor appointed to handle the case of Jason Van Dyke, the Chicago police officer charged with six counts of first degree murder in the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald.

Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan selected McMahon, who will replace the recused Anita Alvarez on the case, according to CBS. Alvarez, Cook County’s lame duck State’s Attorney, recused herself in June after vast criticism was made connected to her close ties with the Fraternal Order of Police as well as the length of time it took for her to bring forth charges against Van Dyke.

McMahon called the case against Van Dyke "very important," and one with "serious allegations."

Van Dyke shot McDonald 16 times, killing him, on Oct. 20, 2014 at 41st and Pulaski when officers were called to the area to deal with a suspect seen slashing tires with a knife. Dash cam video released more than a year later and only after a judge’s order showed McDonald was walking away from police when he was shot. Prior to the video, police at the scene were consistent in claims that McDonald was lunging at officers with a knife before he was shot.

MORE on this topic via Chicago Patch

• Anita Alvarez Recuses Herself in Laquan McDonald Murder Case
• Special Prosecutor Will Investigate Possible Police Cover-Up in Laquan McDonald Case

“It is the state’s burden – it will be, in fact, our burden – to prove this defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. I and this team has one goal in this case. That is to find the truth, to present the truth, and ask that justice be served in this case,” McMahon told reporters on Thursday.

Assistant Kane county state’s attorneys Jody Gleason, Dan Weiler and Joe Cullen will assist in the case. Marilyn Hite Ross will be the lead prosecutor.

Van Dyke, who pleaded not guilty to all charges including one count of official misconduct, will appear in court again on Aug. 18.

More via CBS-Chicago