Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr shot resident Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head following a struggle during a traffic stop in April 2022. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charged Schurr with second degree murder, an unprecedented charge against a Grand Rapids officer. The city fired Schurr the following week.
For years, Schurr’s lawyers have been trying to get the second degree murder charge thrown out. But judges have repeatedly said the case should go to a jury. Second-degree murder charges are a felony offense, punishable up to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Schurr’s attorney has said the shooting was justified because Schurr was met with force during a lawful arrest.
But for Grand Rapidians it’s one of a pattern of instances of violence and bias against Black people and children in the city.
Three years after Lyoya’s death, the criminal case went to trial. But jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. Becker later decided not to retry the case.
Here's where to find what’s important to know about this case and the latest updates from our newsroom.
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Some legal experts argue that police training and the difficulty of convicting officers played a key role in the hung jury. -
What can a criminal trial in Grand Rapids can tell us about use of force in Michigan police departments? After that discussion, we uncover a new take on risotto. Then - what it’s like starting over after the worst happens following a dam collapse. And novelist Aram Mrjoian sets his sights on one family tragedy, and some much broader questions about time and distance. -
A trial on second-degree murder charges against former GRPD officer Christopher Schurr ended in mistrial. Kent County prosecutor Christopher Becker announced last week he won't pursue the case a second time. -
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker made the announcement Thursday morning. "I did the best I could," he said, noting how it's split the community. "I don't see us being able to reach a verdict." -
A mistrial was declared in the murder trial of the former Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya at a traffic stop in 2022 after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. We talked to two reporters who were at the courthouse about the trial, the community reaction, and what happens next. -
In this episode of Stateside, we provide an update on the Christopher Schurr murder trial. Additionally, there is a Michigan event that transports visitors to a galaxy far, far away. Finally, a conversation with a Detroit Opera director about the upcoming show that will tell a real-life story through music. -
Christopher Schurr killed Patrick Lyoya during a struggle that began as a traffic stop in April 2022. The jury deliberated for days. -
Christopher Schurr's attorneys asked judge Christina Mims to declare a mistrial on the first full day of deliberations, but she told them not to give up on reaching a verdict. -
Attorneys made their closing arguments on Monday, day six of the trial.
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Christopher Schurr took the stand in his own defense Friday morning in a Kent County courtroom. It's the first time the former Grand Rapids police officer has spoken publicly about how he shot and killed Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop in 2022.
