A Michigan judge declared a mistrial this week after jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict in the high-profile murder trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, who fatally shot 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya, a Black man and Congolese immigrant, during a traffic stop in April 2022.
The Shooting and Trial
The incident occurred in Grand Rapids, Michigan, when Schurr pulled over Lyoya for a suspected license plate issue. During the encounter, Lyoya exited the vehicle and a struggle ensued. According to police footage, Schurr tackled Lyoya to the ground and eventually shot him in the back of the head while Lyoya was face-down.
Prosecutors charged Schurr with second-degree murder, arguing that the use of deadly force was excessive, unjustified, and avoidable. They maintained that Lyoya posed no lethal threat to Schurr, despite a struggle over the officer’s Taser.
Defense attorneys countered by claiming Schurr acted in self-defense, saying that Lyoya had gained control of the Taser. They argued that Schurr feared for his life and had only seconds to react.
The trial featured intense testimony, including from both prosecution and defense use-of-force experts. Schurr also took the stand in his own defense. Despite the emotional and heavily scrutinized nature of the case, the jury was unable to reach a verdict after approximately 20 hours of deliberation.
Emotional Fallout from Lyoya’s Family
Patrick Lyoya’s parents, Peter and Dorcas Lyoya, expressed heartbreak and frustration during a virtual news conference. Peter Lyoya said the mistrial had reopened emotional wounds, and his wife, Dorcas, said she felt Schurr showed no remorse during the trial. Through a translator, she said: “It seemed like he only killed an animal. That’s how he presented himself.”
The family pledged to continue their fight for justice, with Dorcas adding, “We’re not going to be tired until we find justice for our son.”
Prosecutors Weigh Retrial
Prosecutor Chris Becker acknowledged the disappointment felt across the community and by Lyoya’s family, stating, “What happened today is not what anybody expected or wanted.” Becker confirmed he spoke with some jurors, who said they were split over whether Schurr’s actions met the legal standard for murder, particularly due to the presence of the Taser during the altercation.
Becker has not yet announced whether he will retry the case, saying he would take time to make the decision carefully, considering both the facts and the impact on the community. “It’s a process and I’m not going to rush into it,” he said, though he noted a decision could come within weeks.
Defense Opposes Retrial
Schurr’s attorney, Michael Borgula, said that while Schurr was relieved not to be found guilty, the lack of closure left him disappointed. “Christopher Schurr never wanted to take a life,” Borgula said, adding that “there really is no winning here. A man died, and that is a very serious thing.”
Borgula voiced strong opposition to retrying the case, pointing out the emotional toll the first trial had already taken on everyone involved.
Community Response and Protests
Following the mistrial, protests erupted in downtown Grand Rapids. Demonstrators demanded that Prosecutor Becker file for a retrial, arguing that justice for Patrick Lyoya has not yet been served. Community leaders stressed the importance of accountability in police use-of-force cases, especially those involving Black victims.
Becker acknowledged the public’s concerns and promised transparency in his decision-making process, saying, “I’m going to be considerate of the community … I hope to know relatively soon.”