The Michigan Supreme Court declined an appeal on Monday regarding a police officer facing trial for second-degree murder linked to the shooting death of a man in 2022.
The court’s decision, issued in a 5-2 vote, upheld a previous ruling from the Court of Appeals that favored the Kent County prosecutor’s stance on the case.
The incident involved Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, who was fatally shot at the end of a traffic stop in Grand Rapids. After failing to produce his driver’s license, Lyoya attempted to flee and physically resisted Officer Christopher Schurr during the encounter.
Footage from the event indicates that Lyoya was shot in the back of the head while he was on the ground.
Attorneys for the defense argued that Schurr, who is white, acted out of fear for his own safety. Schurr contended that Lyoya was in control of his Taser at the time he fired the shot, with video evidence showing the officer instructing Lyoya to let go of the device.
A judge in Grand Rapids determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial, a standard that is relatively low under state law. This decision was later supported by the Court of Appeals earlier this year.
Prosecutor Chris Becker expressed hope for a swift resolution for Lyoya’s family, who have awaited justice for an extended period.
Defense attorney Matthew Borgula expressed disappointment over the court’s decision not to consider an appeal regarding the use of lethal force, indicating that reaching a plea agreement seems unlikely.
Borgula maintained that he believes Officer Schurr did not commit a crime.
The officer, who had served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for seven years, was terminated from his position two months following the incident.
