A Michigan police officer who fatally shot a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant in the back of the head at a traffic light will not face a retrial.
Decided by prosecutor Chris Becker, the choice not to undergo a second murder trial came after the first trial for the death of Patrick Lyoya ended in an unanimous verdict. According to the prosecutor, as many as 10 out of 12 jurors said they wanted to acquit the officer, Chrstioher Schurr. A second jury will likely yield similar results, according to Becker.
The family of Lyoya is expected to counter the lack of a retrial as an ongoing lawsuit alleging excessive force is expected to be filed. In a statement, the family’s lawyer, Ven Johnson, reaffirmed their desire to hold Schurr for his role in Lyoya’s death.
“With today’s decision, what was once a pause in justice has now become a permanent reality,” said Johnson. “This is not a verdict nor the outcome the Lyoya family sought. We will continue to stand with the Lyoya family in their pursuit of truth, accountability and justice for Patrick, and are awaiting our day in civil court.”
Supporters of Patrick Lyoya react to the decision not to retry Christopher Schurr: https://t.co/LUBO6JtzKj pic.twitter.com/yh0H1TPHzj
— WOOD TV8 (@WOODTV) May 23, 2025
Captured on body camera footage that was replayed countless times throughout the trial, on April 4, 2022, Schurr can be seen shooting Lyoya face down on the ground after a traffic stop.
The police officer first pulled over the driver for an improper license plate. As Schurr asks for his driver’s license, Lyoya can be seen running away from the car, and the officer goes after him to tackle him.
As he tackles him, Schurr can be seen taking out his taser to use on Lyola, but the latter attempts to grab it as well. Although the body camera footage cuts out, video footage recorded by a passenger in the car shows Schurr telling him to let go of the taser.
As Lyoya is facedown on the ground, the officer then takes out his firearm and shoots him in the back of the head, killing him instantly.
A witness who was a resident on the street verified that Schurr had control of the situation.
Lyola’s death led to weeks of protests in Michigan and multiple calls to reform the city’s police department.
Protestors once again gathered around the courthouse following the recent announcement that Schurr will not face a retrial.
In a public statement, Mayor David LaGrand acknowledged the reaction.
“Many in Grand Rapids will feel a deep sense of frustration and a belief that justice remains unfulfilled,” said LaGrand. “These feelings are valid and must be acknowledged.”
