Trial begins in Chicago police officer’s murder

Prosecutors say a gang member killed a Chicago police officer before going to a friend’s house to party and drink tequila.

Cook County prosecutors started their case Tuesday in the trial in the death of 27-year-old Chicago police officer Alejandro “Alex” Valadez. Valadez was gunned down as he investigated a shots fired call on the city’s South Side in June 2009.

Shawn Gaston, 22, is the first of three men to stand trial on first-degree murder charges in his death. Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez gave the opening statement for the prosecution.

Gaston’s defense attorney told jurors Gaston is innocent and said DNA found on weapons didn’t belong to Gaston. Two other men are awaiting trial in Valadez’s killing.