Jason Van Dyke appeared in court for status hearing in Laquan McDonald case

CHICAGO -- A white Chicago police officer accused of shooting a black teenager 16 times in 2014 appeared in court on Friday for a status hearing.

Jason Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

His next court date is March 23.

City officials released squad car video of the shooting in November, hours after Cook County authorities announced charges. The footage showed McDonald veering away from officers as Van Dyke opened fire.

The release of the video sparked citywide demonstrations with protesters alleging a cover-up and calling for the resignations of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Alvarez has defended her office, saying such investigations take time. Emanuel has vowed to improve trust in the police department.