CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Video of the murder of Chicago Police Officer Ella French during a traffic stop three years ago was played in court on Tuesday.
The body camera video was played as the judge in Emonte Morgan’s upcoming murder trial was considering whether it is relevant or prejudicial.
Morgan’s public defenders didn’t want a jury to hear the audio, which includes the gunshots and officers French and Carlos Yanez Jr. gasping for air.
Judge Ursula Walowski said the video “is extremely relevant.”
French was killed. Yanez was seriously wounded.
They had ordered Morgan and two others out of the car after seeing open alcohol. There was a struggle, and the officers were shot.
Morgan’s brother, Eric, who ran from the scene, took a plea deal for his role and was sentenced to seven years.
FOP President John Catanzara was in court.
He said the video shows “a cold-blooded murder and attempted murder of two officers and it's irrefutable.”
In January, Walowski ruled that police officers would be allowed to wear full uniforms in court during Morgan's trial. The decision reportedly came despite opposition from the defense, which was concerned that a "sea of blue" would intimidate jurors.
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