by No Retrial for Michigan Officer Who Fatally Shot Patrick Lyoya, Sparking Outrage Across the U.S., Including Wyoming
DETROIT (AP) — A former Michigan police officer who fatally shot a Black motorist during a chaotic traffic stop will not face a second trial for murder, a decision that is sparking frustration and calls for justice from civil rights groups nationwide — including advocacy voices from as far as Wyoming.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Thursday that ex-officer Christopher Schurr will not be retried for the killing of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant who was shot in the back of the head after a struggle in April 2022. The first trial ended in a mistrial earlier this month after jurors couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict.
“I just don’t see a place where we get 12 people to agree,” Becker said. “This has split the community.” He noted that public opinion has been deeply divided, but emphasized that those opinions did not influence his decision.
A Fatal Traffic Stop Caught on Camera
Schurr, 34, pulled Lyoya over in a Grand Rapids neighborhood after noticing the license plate didn’t match the vehicle. When Lyoya exited the car and failed to produce a license, a two-minute confrontation followed. Bodycam and bystander footage showed Lyoya trying to flee, eventually ending up on the ground with Schurr on top of him. Schurr then fired a single shot to the back of Lyoya’s head.
At trial, Schurr claimed he acted in self-defense because Lyoya had gained control of his Taser. Defense experts testified that Schurr feared for his life and acted within department policy. However, prosecution experts argued that Schurr had alternatives — including disengaging and letting Lyoya go.
Community Reaction and Calls for Accountability
In Wyoming and other states, civil rights advocates have echoed the Lyoya family’s grief, calling the prosecutor’s decision a blow to justice and police accountability. Advocacy groups in Wyoming have joined national organizations like the NAACP and the Urban League in criticizing the outcome.
“This is not the justice we hoped for,” said Ven Johnson, the Lyoya family’s attorney. A civil lawsuit alleging excessive force remains ongoing.
Following the mistrial on May 8, it was revealed that 10 of the 12 jurors favored acquittal. Schurr’s attorney, Matt Borgula, said a second trial would likely end in the same result.
“Everyone agrees Patrick Lyoya’s death was tragic,” Borgula said. “But the evidence showed Officer Schurr’s actions were justified — at least to this jury.”
A Deeper Look into Lyoya’s Background
While Schurr did not know it at the time of the traffic stop, records later showed Lyoya’s license had been revoked and he had an outstanding warrant for domestic violence. An autopsy revealed his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit for driving.
Schurr, a seven-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Police Department, was fired after being charged in 2022.
Mayor Responds to Community Pain
Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand called the situation “a source of immense pain” and acknowledged the community’s disappointment.
“Many will feel a deep sense of frustration and a belief that justice remains unfulfilled,” LaGrand said in a statement. “Those feelings are valid and must be respected.”
As calls for police reform grow louder from Michigan to Wyoming, Patrick Lyoya’s death remains a haunting reminder of the continued tension between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
