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Mistrial Declared in Trial of Ex-Officer Charged in Patrick Lyoya's Death

Jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict in the second-degree murder trial of Christopher Schurr, leaving prosecutors to decide on a retrial while a federal lawsuit continues.

Former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr enters the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids, Mich., on May 2, 2025.

Overview

  • Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was fatally shot in the back of the head during a traffic stop in April 2022 by former Grand Rapids officer Christopher Schurr.
  • Christopher Schurr was charged with second-degree murder and fired from the Grand Rapids Police Department in June 2022 following the incident.
  • On May 8, 2025, a Kent County judge declared a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict in Schurr's trial.
  • Video evidence showed a struggle between Lyoya and Schurr during the traffic stop, including Lyoya appearing to reach for Schurr's stun gun before the shooting occurred.
  • Lyoya's family has filed a $100 million federal civil lawsuit against Schurr, with the City of Grand Rapids dismissed from the case in August 2023; the lawsuit remains ongoing.