No Retrial for Former Grand Rapids Officer in Patrick Lyoya Shooting: Community Outrage Spreads Beyond Michigan, Reaches Wyoming
Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr will not face a retrial for the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced last Thursday—just two weeks after a mistrial was declared due to a deadlocked jury, according to CBS News Detroit.
Schurr had been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the April 2022 fatal shooting of Lyoya, a Congolese immigrant, during a traffic stop that turned violent. The officer shot Lyoya in the back of the head after a struggle, sparking national outrage and widespread protests.
The decision not to retry Schurr has deeply shaken Lyoya’s family and drawn criticism from advocates and community leaders, including those from as far as Wyoming, where discussions about police reform and justice continue to grow.
Ven Johnson, the Lyoya family’s attorney, expressed their heartbreak and frustration:
“The Lyoya family has not only lost Patrick, but now the hope that former officer Christopher Schurr will ever be held criminally accountable for taking Patrick’s life,” Johnson said. The family plans to continue seeking justice through a civil lawsuit.
Prosecutor Becker addressed the difficult choice during a press conference:
“I’ll cut right to the chase—I’ve made the decision not to seek a retrial,” he said. “I spoke with Patrick’s father, Peter, and understandably, he’s devastated. Many members of the community are disappointed, and I don’t take that lightly.”
The original trial focused on whether Schurr’s use of deadly force was justified. The defense argued that Schurr believed Lyoya had taken control of his Taser, warranting the use of lethal action. However, the prosecution noted that the Taser had already been fired twice and was in a mode unlikely to be used effectively by Lyoya.
Despite the hung jury, Becker stood by his efforts:
“I put the best case forward. I did everything I could. The jury couldn’t reach a verdict, but I still stand by the decision to bring this case to trial,” he told the Detroit Free Press.
The decision not to pursue a retrial effectively ends the criminal case—leaving many, including Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack, to support the Lyoya family and question the justice system.
“They were very, very hurt and are still trying to understand the American justice system,” Womack said.
In response to the community’s demands, the Grand Rapids Police Department has introduced new reforms, including enhanced de-escalation training and a renewed focus on the sanctity of life. Protests have continued, fueled not only by Lyoya’s death but also by broader concerns over police accountability—a conversation that resonates from Michigan to Wyoming and across the country.
