A judge in Grand Rapids, Michigan, declared a mistrial on Thursday in the second-degree murder trial of a police officer who shot Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, in the back of the head during a traffic stop in 2022. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict after four days of deliberation, leading to a partial victory for the officer, Christopher Schurr, who may face another trial. The killing of Lyoya, a Congolese immigrant and father of two, prompted protests in Grand Rapids following the release of video footage of the incident by the city’s police chief.
The mistrial occurred a day after three former Memphis police officers were acquitted in the beating death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop, marking a notable case in the ongoing discussions about police reform and racial injustice in Black America post-George Floyd. Schurr claimed he shot Lyoya in self-defense while the latter was lying face down on the ground during a struggle for control of a Taser.
Video evidence played a crucial role in the trial, with footage captured by a passenger in the car providing key insights into the altercation. The defense focused on Schurr’s perceived threat to his life after losing control of the Taser, while the prosecution argued that the officer had other options to handle the situation. The lack of consensus among jurors led to the mistrial declaration by Judge Christina Mims, who thanked them for their efforts before concluding the trial.
The incident occurred on April 4, 2022, during a routine traffic stop when Schurr attempted to apprehend Lyoya for driving with improper license plates. A physical altercation ensued, during which Schurr unsuccessfully tried to subdue Lyoya with the Taser. The situation escalated, leading to Schurr fatally shooting Lyoya in the head, claiming he feared for his life due to the potential use of the Taser against him.
Despite differing expert testimonies on the use of force, including arguments from both the defense and prosecution regarding Schurr’s actions, the trial ended without a resolution on the charges. The circumstances surrounding Lyoya’s attempt to flee, his revoked driver’s license, and high blood-alcohol level further complicated the case, leaving unanswered questions about the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Schurr, a seven-year veteran of the Grand Rapids department, was fired shortly after being charged. Lyoya’s family has expressed that he came to the U.S. to flee extended civil unrest in mineral-rich eastern Congo. He became part of a group of Black immigrants seeking improved lives in the U.S., only to face mistreatment or death by law enforcement. Among them were Botham Jean, Amadou Diallo, and Abner Louima—men whose stories raised awareness of the worldwide effects of systemic racism in law enforcement. Reporting by White was done in Detroit.
