Prosecutor Declines Retrial for Michigan Officer in Patrick Lyoya Shooting Case

In a decision that has stirred significant public discourse, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced on May 22, 2025, that former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr will not face a second trial for the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya. This announcement follows a mistrial declared earlier this month after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

Background of the Case

The incident occurred in April 2022 when Officer Schurr stopped Lyoya’s vehicle due to a mismatched license plate. Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant, exited the car, failed to provide identification, and attempted to flee. A physical altercation ensued, during which Schurr claimed Lyoya gained control of his Taser. Schurr then shot Lyoya in the back of the head while restraining him on the ground. The confrontation was captured on video, which became a focal point during the trial.

Prosecutor’s Decision

Prosecutor Becker cited the jury’s inability to reach a consensus as a primary factor in his decision not to pursue a retrial. Post-trial interviews indicated that 10 out of 12 jurors favored acquittal. Becker expressed skepticism about achieving a different outcome in a subsequent trial, stating, “I just don’t see a place where we get 12 people to agree. This has split the community”.

Reactions and Ongoing Legal Actions

The decision has been met with disappointment from Lyoya’s family and civil rights advocates. Ven Johnson, the family’s attorney, emphasized their continued pursuit of justice through a pending federal lawsuit alleging excessive force. Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand acknowledged the community’s pain, noting that many residents would feel a deep sense of frustration and a belief that justice remains unfulfilled.

Schurr, who served as a Grand Rapids officer for seven years, was terminated following the incident. His defense maintained that the use of deadly force was justified, citing the risk posed if Lyoya had used the Taser against him. However, prosecution experts argued that Schurr had alternative options, such as disengaging from the confrontation.

As the community grapples with the implications of this decision, the case continues to highlight broader conversations about law enforcement accountability and the pursuit of justice in cases involving police use of force.