Suspect Steven Montano testifies in own defense in trial for murder of Chicago police Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Closing arguments could be presented to the jury as early as Friday in the case against the man accused of murdering Chicago police Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso.

Steven Montano is accused of murdering Officer Vásquez Lasso in March 2023.

In the fourth day of the Montano’s trial, the suspect testified in his own defense following testimony from an assistant medical examiner.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The trial continued Friday morning with testimony from Cook County Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Meredith Reynolds. Her review of the officer’s autopsy was the final piece of the state’s evidence before resting their case.

In her testimony, Reynolds provided details about the injuries sustained by Vásquez Lasso, noting a fatal bullet wound to the head, as well as additional wounds to his left leg and forearm.

RELATED | Widow of slain CPD Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso first to testify in accused murderer’s trial

Reynolds examined autopsy photos with the jury. During this time, Montano continued to look down at his feet and rarely looking at the pictures.

Vásquez Lasso’s family was in court and became emotional as the photos were shown in court while the suspect was mostly expressionless.

Dr. Reynolds also examined the clothing Officer Vásquez Lasso was wearing when he was shot with the jury.

After the state rested its case, Montano took the stand to testify.

Prosecutors said Montano was running from a home on South Spaulding from which his girlfriend had called 911 about a domestic disturbance.

Montano allegedly fired at Officer Vásquez Lasso, and Montano was shot in the chin. His attorneys are making the argument that this was a tragedy and a bad choice, but not murder.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Chicago police officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso shot, killed in Gage Park; suspect charged with murder

Montano told jurors about years of interactions with police in which he says he was unjustly targeted by officer, stopped, searched and let go.

In one incident in 2022, jurors saw video of a stop in which Montano was charged with resisting arrest, but the case was dismissed.

Regarding March 1 2023, Montano’s girlfriend at the time called police reporting a domestic disturbance.

Montano told jurors he was afraid of the police and he wanted to hide his illegal gun, so he ran.

He says he heard someone saying ‘stop,’ but he was in such fear that he didn’t know who it was and he just fired.

His attorney, Brett Balmer, asked, “Steven was your intention to shoot a police officer?”

Montano responded, “No, it was not.”

Balmer asked, “Was it your intention to shoot anyone?”

Montano answered, “No, it was not.”

Under cross examination by prosecutor Kevin Nolan, Montano acknowledged he knew police were there and were chasing him.

Nolan asked, “You knew these officers were rolling up on you and you took the gun?”

Montano responded, “Yes.”

The defendant also acknowledged he was never physically hurt during any interaction with police.

A prosecutor asked, “What accounts for your behavior?”

Montano told jurors, “Fear.”

John Catanzara, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, has been in court to support the officers family and shared his view of the trial.

“Hoping the jury can see through all of this and we can be done with this once and for all,” Catanzara said.

The officer’s widow left court before Vásquez Lasso’s autopsy was discussed.

Closing arguments could possibly come Friday or Monday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Exclusive Excerpt—Rep. Elise Stefanik: ‘Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities’

Rep. Elise Stefanik Exposes Elite University Scandals in New Book ‘Poisoned Ivies

In an exclusive excerpt from Rep. Elise Stefanik’s latest book, “Poisoned Ivies:…
Texas teacher charged after alleged student assault 'hoax' causes lockdown

Texas Teacher Arrested Following Alleged Student Assault Hoax Leading to School Lockdown

A Texas high school teacher who instigated a campus lockdown by claiming…
Philadelphia parking garage collapse leaves 1 dead, 2 missing

Recovery Efforts Conclude: Bodies of Two Iron Workers Found Five Days Post-Philadelphia Parking Garage Collapse

City officials in Philadelphia have confirmed the recovery of two iron workers’…
DoorDash grandma sidesteps Trump's question on whether men should play women's sports

DoorDash Grandma Dodges Trump’s Inquiry on Gender in Sports: A Thought-Provoking Exchange

WASHINGTON — The “DoorDash Grandma” made her mark at the White House,…
Disgraced ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore to learn if he's going to jail

Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Awaits Sentencing Decision

The former Michigan football head coach, Sherrone Moore, who has been embroiled…
Pakistani general says Iran diplomacy still alive, despite US blockade, failed talks

Pakistani General Affirms Ongoing Iran Diplomacy Amidst US Sanctions and Stalled Negotiations

On Monday, the United States initiated a naval blockade aimed at Iranian…
Students exposed to drug-resistant super-strain of TB at Southwestern College

Southwestern College Faces Health Alert as Drug-Resistant TB Strain Detected Among Students

A disturbing health alert has emerged from a Southern California college campus,…
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secures majority government with special election wins

Mark Carney Leads Canadian Government to Majority Victory in Pivotal Election

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney achieved a significant political milestone on Monday…
NTSB launches 3-day investigative hearing on deadly DC plane crash

Urgent Aviation Safety Bill: House Set to Vote After Tragic DC Midair Collision

On Tuesday, House lawmakers are poised to cast their votes on a…
Humiliating report reveals LA wildfire victims trapped in a rebuild 'nightmare'

Devastating Report Uncovers Rebuild ‘Nightmare’ Facing LA Wildfire Victims

The ambitious plans to swiftly rebuild fire-damaged areas of Los Angeles were…
Sid Krofft, 'H.R. Pufnstuf' creator and children's TV visionary, dies at 96

Children’s TV Pioneer and ‘H.R. Pufnstuf’ Creator Sid Krofft Passes Away at 96

Sid Krofft, the visionary entertainer from Canada who, alongside his brother Marty,…
Butler man’s online rants to kill Trump end in guilty plea after FBI probe

Butler Resident Admits Guilt Following FBI Investigation into Threats Against Trump

A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has admitted guilt to issuing threats against…