Did Laquan McDonald's actions warrant being shot 16 times? Jason Van Dyke, 40, is the first Chicago police officer in decades to be charged with murder for an on-duty incident. A 12-person jury will decide his fate. "We're here today because the defendant shot Laquan McDonald 16 times when it was completely unnecessary," special prosecutor Joe McMahon said during his opening statement at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, 2650 S. California Ave. "Not a single shot was necessary or justified." Prosecutors said McDonald, 17, was armed with a three-inch blade, high on PCP and attempting to steal car radios when confronted by police on Oct. 20, 2014. McDonald used the knife to scratch a squad car window and pop one of its tires.