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2mo ago

Montano Takes Stand Ahead of Closing Arguments in Officer Vásquez-Lasso Murder Trial

Forensic and medical examiner presentations concluded Friday with Montano beginning his testimony—closing arguments are set to start imminently.

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Rocio Lasso, center, mother of slain Chicago police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso, walks through the lobby of the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago, July 18, 2025, at the end of a break in the trial of his accused killer. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Cook County Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Meredith Reynolds testified that Officer Andrés Vásquez-Lasso suffered a fatal head wound along with injuries to his leg and forearm.
  • Prosecutors rested their case after showing body-worn camera footage depicting Vásquez-Lasso freeze when a suspect turned and pointed a gun at him.
  • Montano, 21, took the stand Friday claiming he fired in self-defense during a moment of panic and fear.
  • Defense attorneys argue the shooting was a tragic mistake rather than an intentional killing, emphasizing Montano’s youth and prior police encounters.
  • The jury at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse is scheduled to hear closing arguments imminently in the trial over the March 2023 shooting.