CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on three Chicago officers’ indictment on conspiracy charges in Laquan McDonald fatal shooting case (all times local):
4:45 p.m.
A special prosecutor overseeing felony charges against three Chicago police officers related to the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald says they won’t be arrested and can appear at their arraignments in two weeks.
Special prosecutor Patricia Brown-Holmes spoke at a Tuesday news conference after announcing the indictment. It alleges the three conspired to cover up key aspects of the black teenager’s shooting.
The arraignment is July 10, where the men will enter pleas. Asked why they weren’t arrested, Brown-Holmes said it’s “very typical” to give “a courtesy call” to such defendants. She says if they don’t pose a danger and aren’t flight risks, they’re allowed to show up at the arraignment.
Video released in 2015 showed white officer Jason Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty to murder.
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3:25 p.m.
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says his department is fully cooperating with prosecutors as the investigation in the fatal shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald continues.
On Tuesday, a special prosecutor announced the indictment of three officers, accusing them of conspiring to cover up the actions of a white police officer who shot and killed the 17-year-old in October 2014.
Johnson said in a statement in response to the indictments that he is “committed to implementing policies and training to prevent an incident like this from happening again.” He says the teen’s death “forever changed” the Chicago Police Department and it is implementing reforms.
The Fraternal Order of Police’s Chicago President Kevin Graham declined comment, saying the union hasn’t reviewed the indictment and doesn’t comment on ongoing investigations.
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2:10 p.m.
Three Chicago police officers have been indicted on felony charges alleging they conspired to cover up the fatal shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald by a white officer.
A Cook County special grand jury approved the three-count indictment Monday and the charges were filed Tuesday. Special prosecutor Patricia Brown-Holmes announced the indictments Tuesday, saying the three officers “did more than merely obey an unofficial code of silence.” She says “they lied” to prevent investigators “from learning the truth.”
The three officers, Thomas Gaffney, David March and Joseph Walsh, were each charged with conspiracy, official misconduct and obstruction of justice.
Video released in 2015 showed white officer Jason Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Chicago police didn’t immediately respond to the charges.
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