CHICAGO (AP) — A Cook County judge will let news media use cameras during routine hearings for a Chicago police officer accused of fatally shooting a black teenager 16 times.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Judge Vincent Gaughan made the ruling Wednesday in Officer Jason Van Dyke’s case. Van Dyke is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Laquan McDonald. Stephen Brandt of the chief judge’s office says Gaughan will decide later if he will allow cameras during Van Dyke’s trial or during hearings when lawyers argue motions or witnesses testify.
Van Dyke’s attorney, Daniel Herbert, didn’t object to cameras at status hearings. Prosecutors didn’t either.
Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty. He is due in court Jan. 29 for a status hearing, when cameras will be allowed.