In Detroit, a prosecutor is set to announce on Thursday whether to pursue a second trial against former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, who fatally shot Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop. Schurr faced a second-degree murder charge, but his initial trial concluded on May 7 without a unanimous verdict from the jury. Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker will hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the case’s next steps.
The incident occurred in April 2022 when Schurr stopped Lyoya for having incorrect license plates. After Lyoya exited the vehicle and failed to show his driver’s license, he fled on foot. Following a physical struggle lasting over two minutes, Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head while they were on the ground. This encounter was captured on video, which was presented at the trial.
Schurr, 34, claimed he acted out of fear for his life, asserting that Lyoya had gained control of his Taser. Defense experts supported Schurr’s choice to use deadly force, citing the exhaustion he faced during the fight. In contrast, the prosecution argued that Schurr had alternative options, such as allowing Lyoya to escape.
While the reason behind Lyoya’s attempt to flee remains unclear, records indicate his driver’s license was revoked, and there was an existing arrest warrant for domestic violence against him—information Schurr was unaware of at the time. An autopsy also revealed that Lyoya’s blood-alcohol level was three times the legal driving limit. The decision regarding a second trial will be awaited with significant public interest.
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