Cook County's embattled state's attorney has asked to recuse her office from prosecuting a case involving a white Chicago police officer who shot a black teenager 16 times.
If the judge approves, it would clear the way for the appointment of a special prosecutor, which activists and civil rights attorneys have demanded.
Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan said Thursday that announce his decision about the request June 2.
Outgoing State's Attorney Anita Alvarez has faced months of criticism over her handling of the case and why it took more than a year to bring charges.
Officer Jason Van Dyke is charged with first-degree murder in the 2014 killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.
The release in November of video contradicted police accounts of the shooting and set off protests.
Alvarez has defended her handling of the case.
