The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from former police officer Christopher Schurr, who is facing a second-degree murder charge for the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids. Schurr argued that he was acting within his rights as a law enforcement officer, but the Court of Appeals ruled that he should stand trial. Two Supreme Court justices dissented and wanted the case to be reconsidered.
Schurr was fired from the Grand Rapids Police Department after being charged by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. He fatally shot Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, during a struggle following a traffic stop. Schurr attempted to deploy his stun gun on Lyoya but missed, and the shooting occurred as Lyoya tried to grab the stun gun.
Prosecutors argue that a jury should determine if the use of lethal force was justified, while Schurr’s defense maintains he was acting within his rights as a police officer. The shooting led to protests and calls for accountability in the Grand Rapids Police Department, which has since implemented new policies including de-escalation training.
A trial date has not been set yet, but Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker hopes for a swift resolution for Lyoya’s family, who have been waiting for justice for years. Schurr’s defense attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
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