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Three Chicago, Illinois police officers charged with conspiracy to cover up their colleague's 2014 shooting of black teenager Laquan Mcdonald have pleaded not guilty, while the judge assigned to hear the case recused herself without explanation.

Just before their arraignment hearing was about to start Monday, Judge Mary Margaret Brosnahan announced she was recusing herself from the case, offering no explanation for her decision. Following Brosnahan's recusal, [Judge Diane Gordon] Cannon was assigned the case of the three officers.

Once the hearing began, March, Walsh and Gaffney pleaded not guilty, and were released on their own recognizance with a $50,000 bond they will have to pay if they don't show up for the trial. Their next court date is August 29.

"We are very well aware of the fact that this case has great public interest. There's a great deal of emotion involved. That's understandable. There's probably even some politics involved. All we're hoping for at the end of the day is that we receive a fair hearing," said Tom Breen, Walsh's attorney, according to AP.

Walsh, 48, was Van Dyke's partner at the time and allegedly gave conflicting accounts about the events leading up to the shooting.

Van Dyke was charged with first-degree murder in November 2015, and has pleaded not guilty. In March 2017, a grand jury added 16 counts of aggravated battery, one for each bullet fired at McDonald. His trial has yet to be scheduled.

The trio also prepared and submitted police reports that portrayed Walsh, Gaffney and Van Dyke as "victims assaulted and battered" by McDonald, according to the indictment. Holmes said they also conspired in failing to locate and preserve physical evidence.

Following a 13-month investigation into the Chicago PD following the McDonald shooting, the Obama administration proposed a court-enforced settlement reforming the police. Last month, however, [Mayor Rahm] Emanuel said he would sign a memorandum of agreement with the Trump administration establishing an independent monitor instead.

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