Schurr requests Michigan Supreme Court to hear appeal
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to hear his appeal in his criminal case involving the death of Patrick Lyoya.
Court documents show the former officer’s representatives filed the motion on Thursday.
A district court judge first ruled in October of 2022 that Schurr’s actions as a member of the Grand Rapids Police Department were not justified and that a criminal trial could move forward.
On April 4, 2022, Schurr shot and killed Lyoya during a traffic stop. Video shows Lyoya run away from Schurr before the two struggle over the officer’s Taser. Schurr, who was on top of Lyoya trying to hold him down, eventually shot him in the back of the head.
Inside woodtv.com: The Patrick Lyoya case
After weeks of review, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charged Schurr with one count of second-degree murder. Schurr was fired from the GRPD following the charge.
The Michigan Court of Appeals heard arguments last September that his actions were justified. A panel ruled in January that it affirmed the district court ruling and rejected Schurr’s appeal of that decision in March.
Schurr’s lawyers argued that the court “misstated” or “misconstrued” the moments leading up to the shooting.
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Several organizations, including the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association and the Michigan Association of Police Organizations have thrown their support behind Schurr.
The former officer also faces a civil lawsuit from Lyoya’s family.
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