Disclaimer: Sensitive details and graphics are included in many of the links associated with this tragic event
On October 20, 2014, police said they received a report of someone breaking into cars in the 4100 block of South Karlov Avenue. Upon arrival, the police say they encounter 17 year old Laquan McDonald, who flees from them. After catching back up to McDonald, police claim Laquan, in possession of a knife, refuses to drop the knife. The police report, which can be found in full here states Laquan walks up to officers while holding the knife and Van Dyke shot McDonald in self defense in fear of his life.
The above details were publicly available BEFORE the police dashcam video was publicly available. Upon the release of the graphic and violent video, we now that officer Van Dyke shoot Laquan 16 times while the 17-year-old walks away from him.
The article by NYTimes, authored by Monica Davey and Mitch Smith, includes this video, as well as updated discussion of the murder charge against the officer, Chicago officials response to the video and charge, and steps from here.
Follow the source for the details. Additional discussion describing this murder as a modern-day lynching can be found here. Read here for discussion on the protests that followed the video release.