The trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr has begun, following his involvement in the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop in April 2022.
Schurr faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Body camera footage revealed that Lyoya attempted to flee after being stopped for a minor violation, and Schurr shot him in the back of the head during a struggle.
The case has captured national attention, fueling ongoing debates over police accountability, racial bias in law enforcement, and the use of deadly force.
Protests erupted following the incident, and Lyoya’s family is calling for justice. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with both sides presenting their cases.