CHICAGO (AP) — The trial of a white Chicago police officer charged with murder in the death of black teenager Laquan McDonald resumes with the defense presenting evidence for a third day.
Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke listens during his first degree murder trial for the shooting death of Laquan McDonald at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. Lawyers for the white Chicago police officer who fatally shot the black teenager presented an animated video to jurors on Tuesday that was intended to show the officer’s perspective during the shooting and support his claim that he feared for his safety. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
Jason Van Dyke’s lawyers haven’t said who will testify first Wednesday.
The focus Tuesday was on an animated video produced for the defense purporting to show Van Dyke’s perspective as he shot McDonald 16 times. The animation sought to establish the officer had a legitimate fear for his life.
A dashcam video of the 2014 shooting is from a different angle, behind McDonald. It’s the centerpiece of the state’s case .
Van Dyke could testify. But his attorneys may see the animation as a substitute for his testimony. If the 40-year-old officer testifies, that would expose him to potentially blistering cross-examination.
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