Special Prosecutor Will Investigate Cover-Up in Laquan McDonald Case

CHICAGO, IL - A former judge and federal prosecutor will look into the possibility of a cover up at the hands of Chicago Police Department officers in the case of Jason Van Dyke, the officer charged with first degree murder in the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald on the West Side.

Patricia Brown Holmes was appointed as that special prosecutor by Chief Criminal Court Judge Leroy Martin Jr., according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez has already recused herself on the matter.

Brown Holmes was the trustee of Burr Oak Cemetery when a grave misplacing scandal forced the south suburban cemetery to close.

In 2014, Van Dyke shot 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times during a burglary investigation near 40th and Pulaski. He was charged with first degree murder more than a year later after a dash cam video was released showing McDonald had been running away from police when the shots rang out and not at police with a knife as several officers claimed the night in question.

Brown Holmes is expected to look into the possibility other officers covered up for Van Dyke by providing false witness accounts. Van Dyke’s partner, Joseph Walsh, and Detective David March have already been placed on “administrative status” after their accounts were found to be in deep contrast to the video evidence.

“I plan to take a look at the facts and go from there. I don’t have any preconceived notion about how it should go or what I’m going to do,” Brown Holmes said.

Martin Jr. indicated none of the governmental agencies he was required to contact about the special prosecutorial responsibility wanted the job.

Another judge is expected to announce a special prosecutor for Van Dyke.

More via the Chicago Sun-Times