Patrick Lyoya

A federal judge in Michigan has cleared the way for a civil trial in the 2022 death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was shot in the back of the head by police.

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.

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.

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.