Seats Available To Public For Murder Trial, But Not Many
By Associated Press, WBEZ Staff
Seats Available To Public For Murder Trial, But Not Many
By Associated Press, WBEZ StaffSeats will be available to the public for the murder trial of Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke, if the trial is held in Cook County.
If Judge Vincent Gaughan on Monday rejects a defense motion for a change of venue, the Cook County sheriff’s office has seating procedures for the trial.
Under the policy, the general public must sign up at the courthouse the day before they wish to attend the trial. That means anyone wanting to attend Tuesday’s proceedings must register Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.
If you want to come to court & watch any part of the Jason Van Dyke trial there are some things you need to know: 1. According to the sheriff’s office, seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis
— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) September 14, 2018
2. You must sing up, IN PERSON the day BEFORE you wish to be in court. Sheriff says to sign up, people 16 or older, must register in the lobby of the courthouse between 2 & 6 p.m. for the next day’s session. You must have a gov-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license).
— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) September 14, 2018
3. Spectators are encouraged to arrive 1 hour before trial starts. The sheriff says these items are not allowed: electronic devices of any kind, including cell phones, bags, packages, briefcases, purses, coats, boxes, any other kind of containers, notebooks, paper, pens & pencils
— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) September 14, 2018
4. Because of an order from the judge, clothing with “prejudicial or inflammatory logos, insignias or paraphernalia are prohibited.” In other words, clothing that makes any statement about issues in the case is NOT allowed. Wearing it could keep you out of the room.
— Shannon Heffernan (@shannon_h) September 14, 2018
Spectators must be 16 or older and present a driver’s license, state identification card, passport or other valid government identification. They must arrive one hour prior to the start of the trial to allow time for security checks.
Van Dyke is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald four years ago.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates and get caught up on the trial with the 16 Shots podcast.