Ex-Chicago Police Officer Who Killed Laquan McDonald Attacked In Prison

Jason Van Dyke, the officer who was convicted in the murder of teenager Laquan McDonald, was kept in isolation in Illinois after his conviction but was unexpectedly moved to the Federal Correction Institution in Danbury, Connecticut last week. 

Since his arrival there, his wife, Tiffany Van Dyke, claims that he has been viciously attacked. Mrs. Van Dyke spoke to the media through her tears at a press conference held by her husband’s legal team on Wednesday. 

“I don’t know how safe he is. I don’t know the extent of his injuries,” Tiffany Van Dyke said, flanked by her husband’s attorneys at a news conference. “At the end of the day, I want my husband home. I want him to be safe. I don’t need people to go into his cell and attack him … I cannot bury my husband.”

The assault occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution, which is a low-Security prison that houses both male and female inmates. The facility was once home to some high profile names like singer Lauryn Hill and the late hotel tycoon Leona Helmsley. 

Van Dyke was transferred to the prison on February 5th, without his family and attorney’s knowledge. According to the Chicago Sun-times, they didn’t find out until a day or two later. 

When he arrived, he was placed in general population and was beaten by inmates in his cell after he arrived. He suffered numerous injuries to his face and head. 

Van Dyke’s attorney Tammy Wendt said he first told his appellate attorneys about the attack two days ago, then she was told Wednesday. Wendt claims she was even contacted anonymously by an employee of the prison who told her “I know you haven’t been told about the attack, and I wanted to let you know. And I’m very concerned about his safety.”

Usually, an inmate is transferred to a federal facility to promote their safety, but for Van Dyke- it didn’t.