Patrick Lyoya

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.

Christopher Schurr’s attorneys asked for a mistrial when the prosecution rested their case today, saying two of the witnesses testified on accepted police practices that are irrelevant to Michigan law. They also asked the judge to issue her own verdict, saying no reasonable juror could find Schurr guilty.