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Chicago Officer Jason Van Dyke Sentenced To Just Six Years In Prison For Laquan McDonald Murder

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Benny Hollywood

Source: Scott Olson / Getty Jason Van Dyke Sentenced To Six Years For Laquan McDonald Shooting Chicago Police officer Jason Van Dyke has been sentenced to 81 months, (6 years and 9 months) in prison and two years of mandatory supervised release for the murder of 17-year old Laquan McDonald . Van Dyke was convicted in October of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery, one for each shot Van Dyke fired that struck McDonald. Back in 2014, the officer shot Laquan 16 times after responding to police calls for assistance. Van Dyke claimed that he fired after McDonald failed to comply with demands to drop a knife he was holding and made a threatening move toward police. USA Today reports: Prosecutors had asked Judge Vincent Gaughan to sentence Van Dyke to a prison term of 18 to 20 years. His defense team had asked that he be released on probation Illinois state law requires he serve at least 50 percent of the sentence. He’s already served about three months as he awaited sentencing, so Van Dyke could be out of prison in a little more than three years. Since the fatal shooting, all Chicago officers are required to wear body cameras and the three officers who allegedly “covered up” his actions have been acquitted . Prosecutors suggested up to 96 years for his crime. Before the sentencing, a judge received 200 letters begging for leniency for Van Dyke and his wife emotionally read one asking that he be set free. According to her he “paid the ultimate price.” “He has paid the ultimate price. He will no longer be a police officer. His life is over,” said the wife in court. “He has paid the ultimate price. He will no longer be a police officer. His life is over” – Jason Van Dyke’s wife pleads with court to let her husband come home. The former Chicago Police officer shot Laquan McDonald 16 times. @ABC7Chicago pic.twitter.com/REAvQmIu3P — Alexis McAdams ABC-7 (@AlexisMcAdamsTV) January 18, 2019 So the officer paid the ultimate price—not Laquan McDonald. GOT IT. Continue reading →

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What’s Next In The Laquan McDonald Shooting Case? Here’s Everything We Know

Posted on October 16, 2018 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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M any activists paying attention to the treatment of Laquan McDonald ‘s shooting know that this case is still ongoing. A guilty verdict has come against Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke but other city department officers involved in the shooting were expected to soon face their judgment days. RELATED: ‘ Laquan McDonald Deserved Protection:’ National Black Police Association Reacts To Jason Van Dyke Conviction However, what will happen after Van Dyke’s moment of truth is rather clear: the 40-year-old man who jurors found guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm after killing the 17-year-old teenager nearly four years ago will face countless years in prison. The former cop, who was being held in solitary lock up at Rock Island County Jail in Illinois, could be sentenced in excess of 96 years. He might be hit with consecutive six-year minimum sentences on each of 16 counts of aggravated battery and an additional consecutive prison term for whatever sentence Judge Vincent Gaughan hands down for his second-degree murder count, according to the Chicago Sun-Times . Van Dyke’s sentencing was scheduled for later this year, with much of the nation watching for the number of years of the prison term. While that was clear-cut, when the Chicago officers charged with conspiracy and covering-up facts in McDonald’s shooting will join him in prison was not yet clear. The next trial connected to Laquan McDonald's death will test the so-called “code of silence” in the Chicago Police Department https://t.co/ZNlZOFeirO — NYT National News (@NYTNational) October 10, 2018 The upcoming trial of three Chicago officer — former Detective David March , ex-Officer Joseph Walsh and Officer Thomas Gaffney — will put a magnifying glass on the hours and day after McDonald’s fatal shooting. Prosecutors will pick apart the officers’ stories during the proceeding, beginning on Nov. 26, in an effort to examine how fiction was sold as fact. March and Walsh, both now retired, played lead detective in the investigation and partner to Van Dyke, respectively. They, along with Gaffney, one of the first responding officers on that night Oct. 20, 2014, were charged with trying to shield Van Dyke from prosecution, blame and wrongdoing, which was shown via graphic dashcam video. Their defense couldn’t stop the wheels of justice in Van Dyke’s trial, which ended with him being held accountable for the unjustified killing. Activists have asked for March, Walsh and Gaffney to also be held accountable, as well as all other parties involved in the shooting. They want the blue wall of silence to come down. Aside from Van Dyke’s sentencing and the other officers’ trial, the Chicago Police Department will have to decide whether it will change how it interacts with Black communities. Trump’s Department of Justice may be vehemently opposing police reform but the demand and need for change won’t die down. The verdict in the Laquan McDonald case affirms the time is now for police to change how it interacts with Black communities. Cities across the US must implement strategies that change the way that police departments interact with Black communities. https://t.co/MrDZsBrFsT pic.twitter.com/MWTNyL6OSE — Shriver Center (@shrivercenter) October 14, 2018 SEE ALSO: Stacey Dash Reportedly Married Another Trump Worshiper Just 10 Days After They Met GOP Contender Seeking Al Franken’s Senate Seat Called Michelle Obama A ‘Chimp ‘ [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3831747″ overlay=”true”]

What’s Next In The Laquan McDonald Shooting Case? Here’s Everything We Know

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Bias GOP Pollster Claims Blacks Increasingly Support Trump

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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T he conservative-leaning Rasmussen Reports claimed that 35 percent of African-Americans approve of President Donald Trump ‘s job performance. Through this survey, the politically biased pollster is supporting Trump’s myth that he’s done a lot for Black people. See Also: Canceled! Millennials Pick Obama As Best President Over Trash-Talking Trump In a report released on Friday, Rasmussen placed Trump’s overall approval rating at 51 percent among likely voters. “This is Trump’s highest Presidential Approval Index rating since early March of last year, shortly after he first took office,” Rasmussen stated. One day earlier, Rasmussen tweeted about the suspiciously high level of Black voter support for the president. Good day for @realDonaldTrump job approval… https://t.co/mazBCW77nY All Voters: 50% approve Black Voters: 35% approve pic.twitter.com/MKP85IGRYU — Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) October 4, 2018 Rasmussen raised eyebrows in August when its polling first suggested that there was an increase of Black voter support for Trump. The Washington Post called that claim “far-fetched,” given the president’s long history of racial insensitivity. The newspaper pointed out that Gallup surveys have consistently polled African-American approval of Trump at around 10 percent through 2018. This new poll comes as Trump tries to rally his base and help the GOP scrape together as many Black votes as possible to hold on to Congress. At rallies, Trump has been trying to convince people that he’s accomplished great things for African-Americans in his two years in office. Among his claims is that Black median income has reached a high point under his administration. That’s not true, according to the Associated Press . Census Bureau data shows that the median income in 2017 for an African-American household was $40,258. That’s below a 2000 peak of $42,348 and also statistically no better than 2016, which was President Barack Obama ’s last year in office, the AP said. It’s no surprise that Rasmussen appears to help Trump promote the myth of Black support, given its connection with the GOP . To achieve its ends, Rasmussen Reports uses research techniques that make its polls favor Republicans, Ipsos Public Affairs research director Mallory Newall told The Hill . SEE ALSO: 12-Year-Old Student On A Mission To End Racist Bullying After Classmate Called Him The N-Word ‘We’re Here For Justice,’ Demands Protester At A Demonstration Against The Police Killing Of Patrick Kimmons [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3829244″ overlay=”true”]

Bias GOP Pollster Claims Blacks Increasingly Support Trump

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‘Laquan McDonald Deserved Protection’: National Black Police Association Reacts To Jason Van Dyke Conviction

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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O n Friday, we saw something that rarely happens. A police officer was found guilty of second degree murder for killing a Black teenager. However, and this shouldn’t be a shocker, the police union and the National Black Police Association see the conviction differently. RELATED: Jason Van Dyke Cries Fake Tears As His Testimony Contradicts LaQuan McDonald Video Evidence Jason Van Dyke killed 17-year-old Laquan McDonald on October 20, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. He was found guilty of second degree murder and 16 different counts of aggravated battery (one for each bullet). Of course, the police union blasted the conviction. According to The Chicago Sun Times, the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police said in a statement, “This is a day I never thought I’d see in America, where 12 ordinary citizens were duped into saving the asses of self-serving politicians at the expense of a dedicated public servant.” The statement continued, “This sham trial and shameful verdict is a message to every law enforcement officer in America that it’s not the perpetrator in front of you that you need to worry about, it’s the political operatives stabbing you in the back. What cop would still want to be proactive fighting crime after this disgusting charade, and are law abiding citizens ready to pay the price?” Van Dyke fired at McDonald 16 times within 14 seconds and the video clearly showed he was walking away—nonetheless, the police union clearly did not want the officer to be held accountable. On the other hand, the National Black Police Association released a powerful statement, which read in part, “We cannot demand a criminal justice system that calls for the accountability of citizens, but not police officers. We cannot demand to be held at a higher standard only when it benefits us. We cannot demand that we be seen as human if those we are sworn to protect and serve are not seen as human too. Laquan McDonald was a citizen deserving our protection, even in the midst of his human frailties; he was only 17-years old, he had a family, and he was loved.” How sad that police union’s statement made no mention of the victim. SEE ALSO: Social Media Says It Has Identified The Dallas Cop Who Shot And Killed A Black Man In His Own Home Meet Jogger Joe, The Man Who Took Racist Cue From BBQ Becky In Tossing Homeless Man’s Clothes This Colin Kaepernick Retweet Says Everything You Need To Know About The NFL Players’ Anthem Grievance [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3829976″ overlay=”true”]

‘Laquan McDonald Deserved Protection’: National Black Police Association Reacts To Jason Van Dyke Conviction

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Cop Who Killed LaQuan McDonald Not Racist, Ex-Officer’s Black ‘Brother’ Says

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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T he white Chicago ex-police officer who killed LaQuan McDonald , a Black teen, in a hail of 16 bullets is not a racist, according to the former cop’s African-American in-law. He’s speaking out for the first time on behalf of Jason Van Dyke , who’s standing trial in a Cook County courtroom for the first-degree murder of McDonald. It appears to many observers that his statement is a sign of desperation. SEE ALSO: Cop Who Killed Laquan McDonald Crying Fake Tears As Trial Nears, Black Teen’s Family Says Keith Thompson , who is married to the sister of Van Dyke’s wife, said the family had been silent at the former officer’s request because Van Dyke was concerned about their safety, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. “We may be a biracial family, but we are a blended family, a close family. Although I’m an only child, this guy has become my brother, the only one I’ve ever had,” said 35-year-old Thompson, who also called Van Dyke his “best friend.” Still, it’s hard for many to understand some other explanation for Van Dyke’s indifference to shooting the Black teenager 16 times—continuing to fire even while he was on the ground dying. SNEED: The black brother-in-law of Jason Van Dyke weighs in with his thoughts on the Chicago cop's murder trial. https://t.co/LXB4kz6sm5 — Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) September 27, 2018 Van Dyke fatally shot McDonald in 2014, and cops released the shooting video in 2015, only after a court order. The video and the circumstances surrounding its release ignited massive angry protests. Chicago Police Department officials faced allegations of covering up the shooting, with its account contradicting what dashboard camera video showed—McDonald trying to walk away from Van Dyke when the cop opened fire. “When Jay was first charged four years ago, I did not believe for one second this was a racial incident. No how. No way. I never believed this was about color. I never believed what happened was motivated by racism because Jay is not that kind of guy,” Thompson said. But Thompson’s comments didn’t seem to persuade folks who shared their thoughts on social media. Why did he need to be shot 16 times?I mean, once he's down, what's really the point. I hope this point is not glossed over. — Harold J. Mosley Jr. (@RogueSentient) September 27, 2018 No , it’s not important- Jason Van Dyke’s – I believe I heard he was “black “ brother in law or cousin in law – he properly didn’t like him either , he just had no choice of whom his relative chose to love : He’s just a pond being used now & what does this have to do with 16 shot — beverly West (@bsbwesdone) September 27, 2018 SEE ALSO: Bill Cosby Called ‘Serial Rapist’ As Walk Of Fame Star Is Vandalized, Again Botham Jean’s Family Sues The City Of Dallas [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3828001″ overlay=”true”]

Cop Who Killed LaQuan McDonald Not Racist, Ex-Officer’s Black ‘Brother’ Says

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Midnight Music Roundup: Lil Wayne Releases New Track “Cry Out (Amen)” & More

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

MORNING MINUTE: Chicago State University May Close Leaving Students In Debt And Without Diplomas

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

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The excessive spending of a former president coupled with politicians inability to pass a budget has left CSU in danger of closing.

MORNING MINUTE: Chicago State University May Close Leaving Students In Debt And Without Diplomas

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I Don’t Feel Safe From Terrorism

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

A couple of weeks ago, terrorists killed more than 100 people in Paris . This, of course, led to a worldwide discussion bout terrorism and safety across the globe. Isis once again became the top discussion on everyone’s minds. Donald Trump wants to become the next Hitler in order to keep refugees and Muslims out of the country. Whole cities have been shut down to curb terrorist threats. Terrorism. Isis. Terrorism. Isis. Every article I read now, tells me my chances of getting killed by a member of a terrorist group whose headquarters are 3,000 miles away. I’m not scared of ISIS. I’ve seen two videos of ISIS beheading Western citizens. I’ve seen – man, I don’t even know how many…30? 40? – videos of police killing unarmed people of color. I’ve watched bullets enter Black bodies. I’ve seen Black bodies fall lifeless to the ground. I’ve seen police look at the bodies with little regard for if they’re alive or not. I know what terrorism looks like, and I see the faces of terror every single day. My nephew lives with me and he just started a job that requires him to work nights and catch a bus home. It also would mean he’d have to walk a few blocks to our house in the dark. I immediately vetoed the idea: “no, I’m picking you up at the bus stop.” And without thinking, I gave the first, most prescient justification that came to mind – without a hint of irony: “There are cops out there.” No muggers. Or gang members or coyotes. The police. Because I see terrorism and terrorism looks like men and women with badges murdering innocent people based on the color of their skin. But the police aren’t the only terrorists, by a mile. America has had domestic terrorism that’s aimed at people of color ever since we got here. What else do you call church bombings and eradication of entire Black communities? In Paris, terrorists connected to ISIS went to a cafe and opened fire. Two men also opened fire at a concert. These acts of terror gripped the entire world. Two nights ago, terrorists opened fire on a crowd here in America. They fired at the crowd because the gathering of people represented ideals that were threatening to the shooters. Five people were shot. You didn’t hear the story? That’s because the shooting took place when White supremacists opened fire on a crowd of #BlackLivesMatter protesters. That’s what terrorism looks like to me. But it’s easier for us to pretend like terrorism is thousands of miles away. Where we can fear them like we fear global warming or the rapture; possible doom that we can choose to ignore if we don’t want to face it. But I don’t have that luxury when I think about the terrorism of racism in America. Every time I pass a police car, I’m faced with the possibility that my life could end. Black people are living in the face of real-life terror. We don’t have to read reports to know what terror looks like. We see it firsthand every day. Ever since the attacks on Paris, governors, mayors and crappy presidential candidates have been calling for some sort of methods to screen refugees and muslims to keep the country “safe.” When in actuality refugees aren’t committing or even plotting acts of terror in America. But the entire country is focused on vetting these individuals. I wonder, though, how much safer would this country be if even half the effort to track refugees was spent vetting members of law enforcement and people in power to make sure that they believe that Black Lives Matter? Maybe then, I’d feel safe from terrorism in America.