Van Dyke Murder Trial: Jury Selection


Jury selection is set to begin on Wednesday, September 5 in the murder trial of Jason Van Dyke. The city's bracing for protests outside the court house and possibly throughout the city.

An estimated 200 jury candidates will assemble at the Cook County courthouse. They will receive a questionnaire about the case, but the goal is to find 12 impartial jurors with alternates.

On Tuesday, at Grace Memorial Baptist Church Laquan McDonald’s family asked the public for peace. Reverend Marvin Hunter, McDonald’s great-uncle said they do not want any violence before, during or after the verdict.

Police is expecting protesters to gather near 26th and California to mark the start of Van Dyke's trial. Van Dyke was charged with murder. In 2014 he shot Laquan McDonald 16 times. McDonald was allegedly armed with a knife. Dash-cam video released in 2015 caused uproar across the country and lead to changes in the Chicago Police force.

 If found guilty, Van Dyke could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Judge Vincent Gaughan is heavily invested in this trial. He said he will have meetings with witnesses who feel nervous about showing their face on the stand.