Chicago

Prosecutors to Seek 96-Year Sentence for Van Dyke

A sentencing date is set for Jan. 18

Prosecutors are planning to ask a judge to sentence Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke to up to 96 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald

According to a recent filing in Cook County Circuit Court, prosecutors seek a 6-year sentence for each of the 16 counts of aggravated battery Van Dyke was convicted of in October. That marks a total of 96 years. 

"Each and every shot caused bleeding, and, each and every shot contributed to Laquan's death which resulted from multiple gunshot wounds," the filing states. 

Van Dyke's defense, however, has asked that the former police officer be sentenced to probation if sentenced for second-degree murder and the "minimum statutory term of imprisonment required" for aggravated battery.

"Jason's background, history, and character support these requests," the filing reads. "Jason is presently 40 years old and married with two daughters. He has no criminal record of any kind and he has a good educational, professional and employment background."  

The defense argues the sentence should be considered "one act, one crime." 

Van Dyke is set to be sentenced by Judge Vincent Gaughan Friday following a years-long saga in the case. 

Van Dyke was convicted on Oct. 5 of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the fatal shooting of McDonald

The long-awaited verdict came almost exactly four years after Van Dyke shot 17-year-old McDonald 16 times on the city's Southwest Side.

Dashcam video showing the shooting shook the city and the nation, sparking massive protests and calls for justice.

Van Dyke's attorneys have maintained the Chicago officer was wrongly charged, saying he was acting within the law when he shot the teen, who at the time was an armed felon fleeing a crime scene.

They have vowed to continue fighting the decision.

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