Closing arguments in trial for man accused of killing CPD Officer Andrés Vásquez-Lasso in 2023

CHICAGO — Closing arguments are underway at the trial for the man charged with killing Chicago Police Officer Officer Andrés Vásquez-Lasso.

Jurors began deliberations Monday to decide whether the defendant, Steven Montano, 21, is guilty of first-degree murder.

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Before closing arguments began, Judge John Lyke agreed with the defense that jurors will get instructions on second-degree murder.

The defense claimed self defense and Montano claimed he did not know Vasquez-Lasso was a cop.

There was gasp in the courtroom when the judge agreed to tell the jury they can consider second-degree murder, instead of first-degree murder.

The jury has heard four days of testimony, including the testimony of the accused killer.

Inside the Cook County Criminal Courthouse on Friday, Montano testified that he was terrified by police.  Montano described alleged encounters as a boy with CPD, though his account, at times, stopped short of seemingly corroborating evidence. Montano’s fear of police, he told jurors, was the reason why he fled on foot in March of 2023 as patrol officers and Vasquez-Lasso responded to a domestic disturbance call placed by Montano’s girlfriend.

Bodycam video captured what prosecutors say is the defendant firing his pistol — which he was not licensed to carry — five times, claiming the 32-year-old officer’s life.

The slain officer returned fire, with a bullet hitting Montano in the jaw. Officers quickly arrested Montano, recovering what forensic experts said was the .45 caliber murder weapon.

Vásquez-Lasso had been with the Chicago Police Department for five years. An immigrant from Colombia, he left behind a wife and family internationally. He’s survived by his wife, daughter and extended family.