ADVERTISEMENTThree Chicago policemen have been indicted for trying to cover up the shooting of a black teenager three years ago.
17-year-old Laquan McDonald was shot 16 times by white police officer Jason Van Dyke.
The death in October 2014 sparked widespread protests across the city.
The one current and two former officers are accused of lying in the aftermath of the killing to protect Van Dyke. On Tuesday, Prosecutors charged them with conspiracy, official misconduct and obstruction of justice.
Special Prosecutor Patricia Brown said:“This indictment alleges that these defendants lied about what occurred during a police-involved shooting in order to prevent independent criminal investigators from learning the truth. The indictment makes clear that it is unacceptable to obey an unofficial code of silence.”
Dashcam video of Van Dyke shooting McDonald as he walked away from police holding a knife led to a public backlash and calls for major reform of Chicago’s police department. Van Dyke was charged with first degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.