Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke to Face Sentence on Friday

In three days former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke will be sentenced in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald.

The number of years he will serve is still up in the air. Jason Van Dyke could be looking at 96 years, only if the judge presumes that all 16 bullets caused serious bodily injury to McDonald.

According to Special Prosecutor Joseph McMahon, the sentence could be as little as 18 years.

Former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the shooting death of McDonald.

Second-degree murder has a sentence of between four to 20 years in prison, but there is also a chance for probation.

On the other hand, the defense team believes Van Dyke should get probation or no more than six years for aggravated battery.

To support their argument, the defense submitted more than 100 letters appealing for leniency. Two of those were from Van Dyke's daughters.

His youngest daughter says, “I have had nightmares and trouble sleeping because my dad might have to go away for a long time.”

On Friday, Van Dyke's wife and oldest daughter are set to testify and the judge will decide what Van Dyke's sentence will be.


01/15/19 7:50AM