Watch CBS News

Attorney General's Office Reviewing Jason Van Dyke's Sentence

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Thursday the Illinois attorney general's office announced it's reviewing the 81-month sentence given to former police officer Jason Van Dyke for the shooting death of Laquan McDonald.

The reason behind the review is not clear.

Van Dyke was sentenced to almost seven years for second-degree murder in McDonald's death.

Chicago Police Laquan McDonald
Former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke and his attorney Daniel Herbert listen during Van Dyke's sentencing hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, in Chicago, for the 2014 shooting of Laquan McDonald. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP, Pool)

With good behavior, Van Dyke could be out of prison in about three years.

Van Dyke's attorney says any possible appeal of the sentence is "about politics, not the law."

"It is disappointing that yet another politician has chosen to exploit the tragic death of Laquan McDonald for his own political gain," defense attorney Dan Herbert said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.