Laquan McDonald death: Chicago policeman denies murder

Image source, AP

Image caption, Jason Van Dyke arrives at court

A white Chicago police officer has denied murder over the death of a black teenager who was shot 16 times in 2014.

Jason Van Dyke was heckled as he arrived at court where he denied six counts of first-degree murder.

Video released earlier this year showing the shooting of Laquan McDonald sparked an outcry and the resignation of the chief of police.

A federal investigation into the city's police is under way amid a national debate about the police use of force.

The inquiry will explore whether race plays a part in the police use of force and whether officers are properly held accountable.

McDonald, who was 17 at the time, was armed with a knife when he was stopped by police.

But the dashcam footage showed him moving away from police when Mr Van Dyke opened fire.

Video caption, Dashcam footage shows the moment 17-year-old Laquan McDonald was fatally shot by police in Chicago

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Days of protests followed the release of the video, which President Barack Obama said was "disturbing".

There were calls for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to resign and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy quit his job.

On Saturday, Mr Emanuel said the city "deserved answers" after a police officer accidentally shot and killed a 55-year-old woman when responding to a domestic disturbance.

According , Bettie Jones was also known as a community activist who spoke out on issues such as police brutality.