CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke’s attorneys are closing in on their last witnesses and it’s still not clear whether Van Dyke will take the stand himself to testify about the night he fatally shot Laquan McDonald.
Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke listens during during his first degree murder trial for the shooting death of Laquan McDonald, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 in Chicago. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)
Defense attorneys are expected to continue presenting their case when the first-degree murder trial resumes Monday. The white officer shot the black teenager 16 times in October 2014.
Last week, the officer’s lawyers called witnesses to testify about incidents the night of the shooting and months before in which they said McDonald displayed violent behavior. They also have called on experts to bolster their contention that Van Dyke acted properly when shooting the teen, who had a knife.
Prosecutors contend the shooting was unjustified.
Jurors could begin deliberations as early as this week.
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