Particle.news
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
11h ago

Trial Opens With Bodycam Footage in Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso Shooting

Prosecutors will show footage to support first-degree murder charges

Image
Image
A large photo of police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso is displayed before the start of his funeral Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel on March 9, 2023, in Chicago. Vásquez Lasso was fatally shot in the line of duty in the Gage Park neighborhood on March 1, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago police Superintendent David Brown and Mayor Lori Lightfoot present Milena Estepa de Vásquez with the Chicago flag from the coffin of her husband, slain Chicago police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso, after his funeral Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, March 9, 2023. Vásquez Lasso, 32, was shot and killed as he responded to reports of a man chasing a woman with a gun in Gage Park. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • Jury selection concluded Monday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building ahead of the one-week trial.
  • Prosecutors opened their case by accusing Steven Montano of firing five shots at Officer Vásquez Lasso during a Gage Park foot chase and emphasized his “despicable choices.”
  • Defense counsel argued that Montano was overwhelmed by the high-stress scenario and did not form the specific intent required for a first-degree murder conviction.
  • Footage from Officer Vásquez Lasso’s body-worn camera, which captured the exchange of gunfire as children sheltered nearby, will be shown repeatedly to jurors.
  • Witnesses expected this week include the officer’s widow, Milena Estepa, and Montano’s former girlfriend, whose 911 call triggered the March 1, 2023 response.