Death Threats Shadow Chicago Cop in Teen Shooting

The attorney for a white Chicago police officer charged in the fatal shooting of a black teenager says the officer and his family are receiving death threats. The officer, Jason Van Dyke, made a court appearance Friday morning.

His lawyer spoke to reporters after the status hearing. Van Dyke, 37, who is getting by financially by doing “odd jobs,” according to his attorney, is free on bond.

“My client is doing OK but to be honest, he is having a very difficult time. It’s impacted him quiet a bit,” Daniel Herbert told reporters. “He’s received death threats. ... He’s very concerned about his wife and his children and his own well being.”

Two lawyers, William Fahy and Steven “Randy” Rueckert, also told the judge Friday they are joining Van Dyke’s legal team.

In November, the city of Chicago on a judge’s order released a video recording from a police SUV dashboard camera that shows Van Dyke shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times. The release of the video prompted several high-profile demonstrations in Chicago and continued calls for the resignations of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.