Judge denies acquittals in Chicago police coverup trial

CHICAGO – A judge has denied defence requests for directed acquittals in the trial of three Chicago police officers charged with lying about the shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald.

Cook County Judge Domenica Stephenson on Tuesday evening rejected the defence contention that prosecutors failed to prove their case. Stephenson is hearing the case in a bench trial, without a jury.

Prosecutors earlier Tuesday rested their case after a witness read emails that they contend suggest the officers’ superiors were intent on protecting the white police officer who fired the fatal shots. The emails between a lieutenant and sergeant are part of prosecutors’ attempt to show a widespread effort to protect Jason Van Dyke.

But none of the emails were to or from the three officers charged with official misconduct, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

The trial resumes Thursday.

Van Dyke was convicted of second-degree murder in October.

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For the AP’s complete coverage of the case: https://www.apnews.com/LaquanMcDonald