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Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatally shooting of Laquan McDonald in 2014. Van Dyke shot McDonald 16 times because he claimed he feared for his life.

Van Dyke was also found guilty of 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. This charge carries a sentence of six to 30 years in prison according to ABC 7. Second-degree murder sentences can range from probation to 20 years.

Van Dyke was initially charged with first-degree murder, but the jury was able to consider second-degree murder, which Judge Gaughan explained as first-degree murder with a mitigating factor.

“He now stands before this court a convicted felon,” said Special Prosecutor Joseph McMahon, confirming the officer faced a minimum of six years in prison. After the conviction was rendered protesters erupted in cheers of joy.

“Thank you, Jesus!” exclaimed one female demonstrator outside of the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. This conviction marks the first time a Chicago police officer has been convicted of murder in nearly 50 years the New York Times reported.

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