Jason Van Dyke, a former CPD cop convicted of shooting Laquan McDonald, will be released soon – Henry’s Club

CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke will be released from prison on February 3 after serving less than three years and four months behind bars.

Van Dyke, now in his mid-40s, has been in custody since pleading guilty to second-degree murder in October 2018 on charges of aggravated battery and the shooting death of Laquan McDonald. In 2014, Van Dyke black teen shot 16 times, video of the shooting from a police dashboard camera, released more than a year later, was an important piece of evidence at the trial and sparked public outrage across the country. Van Dyke was found guilty of 16 counts of second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

Van Dyke sentence ordered Six years and nine months in prison, so he would be serving half his sentence after receiving credit for good behavior.

Marvin Hunter, pastor of McDonald’s uncle Grace Memorial Baptist Church, said he was informed Friday about Van Dyke’s pending release.

“It’s a shame that Jason Van Dyke has a date that he can be somewhat freed from his past and that Laquan McDonald’s may never have a second birthday,” Hunter said. “I pray that when Mr. Van Dyke enters, a different person will emerge from him.”

Activist William Calloway, who was instrumental in releasing the dash cam video of the shooting, reacted to the news of Van Dyke’s pending release.

“The federal government has the legal authority, US Attorney John Losch has the legal authority, and they have the moral obligation to file federal civil rights charges against Jason Van Dyke,” Calloway said.

Van Dyck has spent the past three-plus years in several out-of-state prisons and at a time was attacked While in the general population of a facility in Connecticut. His lawyer, Jennifer Blagg, who worked on his appeal, said he did not know where he would be released next month. He is currently in protective custody at an out-of-state facility.

“Well, all I can say is that Jason doesn’t want to be on media. He doesn’t want anyone to cover him, I don’t think so. I can’t speak for Jason, but I know what kind he is.” person, and I think he just wants to live his life,” Blagg said.

And afterward, he’ll spend at least two years on parole and regularly check in with the parole officer in the Chicago area.