CHICAGO, April 14 (UPI) -- Federal and county investigators confirmed they've launched a probe into the death of a 17-year-old car burglary suspect who was shot 16 times in a confrontation with Chicago police in October.
United States Attorney Zachary T. Fardon confirmed that the investigation into the shooting death of Laquan McDonald includes the FBI, the Cook County State Attorney's Office and the Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates police misconduct.
The announcement of the investigation comes as the Chicago City Council prepares to discuss a $5 million payout to McDonald's family to settle the case. The council is expected to decide on the settlement Wednesday.
McDonald was shot Oct. 20 after police were called to a trucking yard to investigate a spate of attempted car burglaries. Police found McDonald about two blocks from the trucking yard with a knife in hand. Police said they maneuvered vehicles in front of McDonald to ensure he wouldn't get near passersby, but McDonald slashed their tires and walked or jogged away. One of the officers on scene opened fire. The officer, who has not been named, has since been placed on administrative leave.
The Cook County medical examiner's office found McDonald had wounds to his chest, neck, back, arms and right leg.
On Monday, Chicago Corporation Counsel Stephen Patton told the City Council's Finance Committee the dashboard camera footage taken from one of the officer's cars shows much of the incident unfolding and would play a role in any trial. Patton noted that other officers were on scene, but only one opened fire.
