Trial Wrapping Up
Another brutal day of testimony and video footage in evidence:
In jarring video footage, jurors Thursday watched the final moments of Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso’s life, from his own perspective.
The trial of the officer’s alleged killer, Steven Montano, resumed Thursday morning with footage from Vasquez Lasso’s body-worn camera viewed in the courtroom. The case, which began this week, is expected to head to a jury Friday to begin deliberations.
On the afternoon of March 1, 2023, Vasquez Lasso and his partner were responding to a domestic incident when they spotted a possible suspect running toward an elementary school with a gun.What followed was captured on Vasquez Lasso’s bodycam. In the video, he jumps out of his car and begins to chase after the man, while screaming out, “Stop! Stop! Stop!” Seconds later, the man turns and points a gun at Vasquez Lasso, standing feet away. Shots ring out, and the officer falls backward. His bodycam shows just the sky above.
Another officer enters the video frame, removes Vasquez Lasso’s vest and appears to begin chest compressions. The officer yells out, “Come on man! Come on, man!” as more screams are heard in the background.
The article further states the trial is expected to wrap up and be handed to the jury today.
Does this mean the defense isn't calling any witnesses? Or even offering a rebuttal?
Labels: officer down
posted by SCC at 12:09 AM
11 Comments:
Does this mean the defense isn't calling any witnesses? Or even offering a rebuttal?
Ineffective counsel appeal in the works...
Very possible.
Once in a while, the DEI system works for you. “I be a lawyer, Dog”.
Defendant will testify
This case, without personally reading any reports or viewing the video, would seem a cut and dried case. Nothing here for the defense to hang their hat on. It is in my memory that the defense must put up a defense but is not obligated to invent any rebuttal. This is a 2023 case and I'm not sure there is any possible reason for a new trial based on the Ineffective/incompetent counsel ploy. Just my very old and very humble opinion.
Or the judge is a known activist...already in the pocket of SJW's...this is Cook County.
you mean Crook co
Great way to draw an opinion. Without reading the reports or the video maybe you should become an BBC expert witness
There is no defense here. Nothing in the criminal code applies. The body cams removes any potential BS excuse for this moron’s actions. Find him guilty and sentence him to a long stay in DOC.
There is no reason for a trial in this case. Had Illinois not abolished the death penalty, he would have pled guilty in an open plea and begged for mercy ( not that he deserves any) at sentencing. From what I read in paper and here, the prosecutor appears to know what she’s doing. That should eliminate any Hope on appeal.
I can't believe I/we still do this job.
I too haven’t read the reports, but taking SCC description of events at face value, I’m reminded of the old adage that when the law is with you , pound the law, when it’s, pound the table. This reprobate testified he fired because he as scared. The defense attorney is going to argue this was not a murder, an imperfect self defense. I’m sure the commenter at 0422 is going to take exception, maybe he/she is a NPR expert witness.
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