Jason Van Dyke Could Get Probation For Second Degree Murder, Legal Team Plans To Appeal The Verdict

Photo by Google Images
Jason Van Dyke Verdict

Friday, October 5, 2018 former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second degree murder and aggravated battery of 16 counts for the murder of LaQuan McDonald. Protectors rallied downtown from City Hall to the Magnificent Mile cheering for the guilty verdict. Some were relieved that justice was finally served while others felt the teenage killer should have been convicted of first degree murder.

Van Dyke was found guilty of killing 17-year-old LaQuan McDonald who was shot 16 times to his death on October 20, 2014. The 40-year-old became the first Chicago police officer convicted of murder since 1980.

Following the verdict some of the jurors stayed behind and answered some questions live regarding Van Dyke's verdict. One of the jurors said the verdict wasn't about race, it was about right and wrong.

"We considered the mitigating factor of how he perceived his actions, of the imminent and the escalating risk, and why he took that action. But we did decide that taking the action was unreasonable. But we do consider what he thought when he was taking that action," another juror said.

As a result of Van Dyke's guilty verdict his legal team and the Fraternal Order of Police is planning to appeal. ABC7 news reports, Dan Herbert, the lead offense attorney for Van Dyke said they are going to look at the verdict and see what their options are.

"There will be an appeal. Mark my words, there will be an appeal," said Fraternal Order of Police Chicago President Kevin Graham.

Van Dyke is facing 4 to 20 years or probation for second degree murder charge and 6 to 30 for the aggravated battery charge. Van Dyke's attorneys stated that he could not get sentenced for both convictions but the prosecutors disagreed.

If Van Dyke is sentence to probation or only sentenced for one conviction Chicago will be in an uproar. Probation should not be an option but according to Illinois state laws, unfortunately it is. The sad thing is a man who is convicted of rape or who sells drugs gets more than probation. Even if he gets probation he will still serve time for the aggravated battery which will leave him in prison for the rest of his life. 


Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla75
@mahoganymagazin

Two Teens Dead Following Shooting In Bronzeville

Photo by CBS News

According to CBS news, two teens were shot and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The shooting occurred around 3pm in Bronzeville near 35th and the Dan Ryan not too far from Guaranteed Rates Field.

The two victims were ages 16 and 17. As reported by CBS their was a witness and the alleged shooter is still on the run.

For  more info on this story:
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/09/26/fatal-shooting-35th-dan-ryan-guaranteed-rate-field/




Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla75
@mahoganymagazin

Class of 93 Reunites 25 Years Later At South Shore Alumni All Class Picnic 2018

Photo by Syreeta Baker

Class of 93

SS Alumni Picnic 

2018

It's not everyday that you get to see your former classmates but it's always a pleasure to reunite with the old and catch up on the new!

Saturday, August 4th, the Alumni Alliance South Shore Chicago held their all class year alumni picnic at Rainbow beach from 10am to 8pm. During this annual event former students, faculty and friends  gathered together to enjoy good company, good food, good music and most of all good memories with the South Shore family.

Photo by Tenita Green

Class of 90

South Shore Alumni Picnic

In attendance were classes from the 70s to the 90s. Last year class of 93 didn't have a reserved spot, therefore, like others they were just floating by. This year class of 93 came an showed out. They were determined to come together to celebrate '25 Years Strong'. Even those who were not able to attend like LaRhonda Ballard, Jesse Butler from class of 92, Tosha Keys, Robin Steen and Bernard Taylor jumped on board and made contributions.

Photo by Syreeta Baker

Class of 93

South Shore Alumni Picnic

Those who represented for class of 93 included Amp, Tamara Anderson, Syreeta Baker, Carlton Buie, Sungerette Carter, Sharon Cosey, Robert Covington, Vanshawn Duncan, Talisha Echols, Tracey Graves, Tenita Green, Margaret Harris, Dionte Mercier, Hollie Ross, Steve Schaffer, Shonda Smith, Antoine Watkins, Tish Wilkerson, Felicia Wilson and Mary Wilson.

Multiclasses Photo

South Shore Alumni Picnic

Along with class of 93, other classes took class photos including classes from the 70s, most classes from the 80's and a few classes from the 90s. Each class who had a reserved spot had their own custom made T-shirts, decorated their stations with tents, banners and balloons.

Of course, the best part of the day other than the soul train line was the food. Shout out to Chef Ken Stevens and Lovely Natasha of House of Love Catering for the delicious food. They had rib tips, turkey hotdogs, turkey burgers, beef burgers, fruit salad, garden salad, corn on a cob, spaghetti, baked beans, green beans with potatoes, Italian sausage and lemon cake for dessert!

Decorated Tents

All Classes of South Shore Alumni Picnic

All of the classes of South Shore HIgh School came out and had a groovy time with no fighting. It was all about peace and love for everyone! Can we do it again next year? Yes, we can!


Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin