‘Not justified’ -- Grand Rapids officer charged with 2nd degree murder in Patrick Lyoya’s death

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WILX) - Christopher Schurr is facing a second degree murder charge in connection with the death of Patrick Lyoya.

Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker made the announcement Thursday afternoon in Grand Rapids.

Update: Police officer charged with murder in Patrick Lyoya’s death -- Will a jury agree?

Lyoya, 26, had an altercation with Schurr during an April 4 traffic stop that ended with Lyoya face down on the ground and being shot in the back of the head. His death drew nationwide attention, which resulted in hundreds protesting Lyoa’s death, demanding charges and attending his funeral.

Schurr told Lyoya that he stopped him because the license plate didn’t match the vehicle, according to video.

The family’s attorney said they believe video collected and released by police captured Lyoya resisting Schurr, not fighting him.

Schurr has been on leave since the shooting. He is expected to be arraigned Friday.

Grand Rapids Senator Winnie Brinks (D) issued a statement following the decision by Becker.

“Patrick’s family left a country of violence and corruption yet walked into one where he was shot in the back of the head in someone’s front yard,” Brinks wrote. “We cannot accept this violence as a normal way of life. When our laws don’t protect everyone, they must change. I will continue to work to ensure Patrick’s is not another life lost in vain. Everyone in every community deserves to have the peace of mind that, regardless of who they are or the color of their skin, they will receive fair and equal treatment by our police.”

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