Mistrial Declared in Christopher Schurr Trial
The trial of former Grand Rapids Police Department officer Christopher Schurr has officially come to a close.
On Thursday, the jury returned to the courtroom and explained that they were unable to reach a verdict. Judge Mims then declared a mistrial.
Christopher Schurr Trial
Schurr was on trial for second-degree murder in the shooting death of 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya.
The shooting occurred on April 4, 2022, following a traffic stop. Lyoya fled on foot, and Schurr chased him. The two fought over a taser before Schurr was able to pin Lyoya to the ground. While Lyoya was pinned face down on the ground, Schurr's gun was fired, and Lyoya was shot in the back of the head, resulting in his death.
The Trial of Former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr
The trial of Christopher Schurr began on Monday, April 28, 2025. Throughout the duration of the trial, supporters of both former officer Schurr and Patrick Lyoya's family could be seen outside the courthouse.
Multiple expert witnesses took the stand to testify both for the prosecution and the defense. Videos of both the traffic stop and the subsequent shooting and of Schurr in training were shown in court.
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Several Grand Rapids Police Department officers who were on scene following the shooting that morning in April of 2022 also took the stand. The officers who were on the scene that morning testified that Schurr appeared to be completely exhausted following the chase and subsequent scuffle with Lyoya prior to shooting him.
After a lot of speculation as to whether he would or would not, Schurr took the stand in his own defense on Friday, May 2, 2025. He testified that he believed that the force that he used that day was reasonable, and that he used it because he feared for his life.
Upon cross-examination, he told Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker:
He started turning towards me, and I felt if I didn’t respond at that time, I wouldn’t be here. - Christopher Schurr on why he shot Patrick Lyoya
Prosecutor Becker responded,
Sure. But he’s not here, is he? - Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Schurr
The defense rested its case and closing statements were made on the morning of Monday, May 5, 2025, and the jury began deliberations around 12:40 p.m. that afternoon. In giving directions to the jury, the judge informed them that they had three options for a verdict - second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or not guilty.
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Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed
