Former Chicago Officer Who Killed Laquan Mcdonald Will Be Released From Prison Early

Ex-Chicago Cop Jason Van Dyke Who Killed Laquan Mcdonald Will Be Released From Prison Next Month

After fulfilling a little more than 39 months of an 81-month sentence for the fatal shooting of a Black teen in 2014, former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke will be released from prison next month.

Van Dyke was convicted in 2018 after being found guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the October 2014 shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

William Calloway, a Chicago neighborhood activist, said he’s shocked and angered about the ruling regarding Van Dyke’s release, “We’re livid, on behalf of the community, particularly the Black community,” he said. “We are livid.”

“Mr. Van Dyke’s decision prevents additional years of litigation, bringing finality to the thorough prosecution of this case in which his rights were protected and justice was served,” Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said at the time.

Activist is calling on the DOJ to file more civil rights charges as they state Van Dyke violated Mcdonald’s civil rights. 

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Calloway tells the news of Van Dyke’s anticipated release is extremely painful.

“It’s a slap in the face for organizers across this country and all those that celebrate MLK on this weekend,” he said.

 

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