Mediaboss Marketing

Grand Rapids police officer identified in death of Patrick Lyoya

Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr has been identified in the killing of Patrick Lyoya during an April 4 traffic stop.

Patrick Colson-Price, USA TODAY

Christopher Schurr a Grand Rapids,Michigan, police officer who fatally shot Patrick Lyoyain the back of the head on April 4 has been charged with one count of second-degreemurder, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Thursday.

Second-degree murder is considered a felony offense. If convicted, Schurr could face a lifelong prison sentence with the possibility of parole.

Becker said the second-degree murder charge was the most severe possible, given the evidence he reviewed there was not any indication of premeditation from Schurr, he said, which prevented afirst-degree murder charge.

Schurr turned himself in, Becker said, and his arraignment could come as soon as Friday. He is likely to be tried in Kent County, with Beckers office overseeing the case.

I wouldnt charge it if I didnt think I could prove it, Becker told media gathered in the Michigan State Police precinct just northwest of Grand Rapids.

PREVIOUSLY: Medical examiner's autopsy confirms Patrick Lyoya was shot in back of head; blood-alcohol levels over limit

WATCH: Rev. Al Sharpton and Congolese community leaders hold funeral for Patrick Lyoya

Lyoya, who was 26 at the time of hisshooting,was a Congolese refugee. His deathsparked protestsin Grand Rapids, Detroit and elsewhere over thepolice departments conductwith the citys Black residents and prompted discussions over the citys commitment to racial equity, something it had pledged to improve in the wake of racial injustice protestsin 2020.

Schurr,who had been with the Grand Rapids Police Departmentsince 2015, was placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting. Police Chief Eric Winstromconfirmed Schurrs name to the publicon April 25.

Winstrom said he will recommend Schurr's suspension without pay from the police force pending termination. Schurr is entitled to an employment hearing, under city policy, Winstrom said, speaking during a press conference with other city leaders following Becker's announcement.

Footage released April 13by policeshows Schurr pulling overLyoya, who was Black,the morning of April 4 in Grand Rapids.Schurr, who is white, told Lyoya that he stopped his car because the license plate didnt match the vehicle.

Lyoya appeared confused by what Schurr was saying andexited his vehicle, prompting Schurr to tell him to get back in and provide his drivers license.

Lyoya ran away from Schurr, causing a chase through the front yards of nearby homes. Schurr eventually tackled Lyoya, the two struggled and Schurr could be heard telling Lyoya to "stop" and to "let go of the Taser, in the footage. Schurrs stun gun was deployed twicebut never made contact.

After about 90 seconds, Schurr was on top of Lyoya, who was facedown on the ground. Schurr, still yelling let go of the Taser, shot Lyoya in the back of the head.

The shooting was investigated by the Michigan State Police, which forwarded its investigation to Becker.

Defense lawyers said the shooting was not murder but an unfortunate tragedy during a volatile situation.

Mr. Lyoya gained full control of a police officers weapon while resisting arrest, placing Officer Schurr in fear of great bodily harm or death, Matt Borgula and Mark Dodge said in a written statement.

Lyoyas familygathered withattorneys to watch Beckers announcement from Detroit, andtheywere informed of the decision beforehand, Becker said. The family previouslycalled for charges and wasgiven a letter about the decision, which was translated into their native Swahili.

In Detroit, Peter Lyoya watched the televised announcement with his lawyer, Ven Johnson, and said he was pleased with the decision.

We strongly believed there was no justice in America, until today, Peter Lyoya said. What I want is the final justice for my son."

In addition to protests calling for Schurr to be charged over the shooting, Lyoyas family, attorneys and national figures like the Rev. Al Sharpton had called for Schurr to be charged.

In a statement, Ben Crump, one of the familys attorneys, said the decision to charge was encouraging and called it a "crucial step in the right direction."

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said the city will continue to evaluate its policing standards in the wake of the shooting.

City officials will examinehow officers are trained to interact during traffic stops and when traffic stops should occur, how the city conducts investigations into officers after shootings, and how officers are trained to wear and use body cameras, City Manager Mark Washington said.

Schurr's body-worn camera was deactivated during the struggle with Lyoya.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Go here to read the rest:
Patrick Lyoya shooting: Grand Rapids officer charged with murder - USA TODAY