GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Nearly three years after Patrick Lyoya was shot and killed, a trial date has been set for the former police officer charged in his death.
Ex-Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr will head to trial April 28, according to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker. This is just over three years after Lyoya's death.
Around 8 a.m. on April 4, 2022, Schurr pulled over Lyoya, a 26-year-old refugee from the Congo.
Lyoya got out of his vehicle and disregarded Schurr's commands, leading to a brief physical struggle and fight over Schurr's taser. Lyoya was wrestled to the ground and was lying facedown when Schurr then shot Lyoya in the back of the head.
That struggle and Lyoya's death was caught on the officer's dash cam, body cam and video shot by the passenger in Patrick's car.
Schurr was later charged with murder.
Since then, Schurr's lawyers have filed appeals in an attempt to delay the trial or dismiss the case altogether.
The Michigan Court of Appeals said in March it won't reconsider its ruling that there is enough evidence to send Schurr to trial.
On Dec. 2, the high court said they were not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by the court.
Over the years, Lyoya's family has repeatedly called for justice. His death sparked a series of rallies and demonstrations in Grand Rapids and drew nationwide attention.
"I've already lost him, I buried him, and yet they're still crushing his image, his reputation, and his name, just to acquit the officer," said Peter Lyoya, Patrick's father. "What I'm just asking is for them to stop crushing the name of my son because the more they do it, the more I'm hurt and I'm still bleeding."
Attorney Ven Johnson provided a statement on Dec. 12 on behalf of the Lyoya family:
“After countless efforts to delay the pursuit of justice, Christopher Schurr is finally set to face his criminal trial this April. For the Lyoya family, this long-awaited court date is not just about seeking justice for Patrick Lyoya but also about shedding light on excessive force by law enforcement. The Lyoyas remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring Patrick’s voice is heard and are determined to honor his memory as they prepare for their day in court."
Jury selection for Schurr's trial will begin on April 21.
