Judge will rule on change of venue motion Monday in Van Dyke trial

Saturday, September 15, 2018
Jason Van Dyke opts for jury trial
Jason Van Dyke opted for a jury trial Friday, pending a change of venue.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Attorneys for Jason Van Dyke announced Friday that he wants a jury trial pending a change of venue.

Judge Vincent Gaughan will rule on the change of venue motion Monday after all jurors have been sworn in.

In court Friday, Van Dyke asked that jurors be struck from duty due to possible influence from protests that occurred during jury selection.

Judge Gaughan noted that the protests had been peaceful and denied the request.

Get up-to-the-minute coverage of the trial on the ABC7 Chicago live blog.

Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke is expected to say whether he wants be tried by a jury or a judge in court on Friday

Van Dyke is charged with murder for the 2014 killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Dash cam video released by court order back in 2015 shows the officer firing 16 shots at the black teen, who appeared to be walking away while carrying a knife.

Van Dyke is charged with first degree murder, 16 counts of aggravated battery, and official misconduct.

Key players in the trial of Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke

Twelve jurors and five alternates have now been seated. Most of the jury is white and one juror is an African American woman. Two alternate jurors are also African American.

Opening statements could start on Monday.

Laquan McDonald Shooting, Jason Van Dyke Case Timeline

WATCH the opening statements along with the rest of the trial through a live stream on abc7chicago.com and the ABC7 news app.