Friday, March 29, 2024

Michigan Officer Charged with Murder of Patrick Lyoya After Execution Caught on Camera

Patrick Lyoya
Patrick Lyoya/screenshot

*The Grand Rapids police officer who executed Patrick Lyoya has been charged with second-degree murder following a two-month review of the disturbing shooting. 

We reported earlier that the Grand Rapid Police Department released footage showing the officer-involved fatal shooting of Lyoya. The 26-year-old Black man was fatally shot during an April 4 traffic stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after Officer Christopher Schurr pulled him over for an issue with his license plate registration.

Police Chief Eric Winstrom explained during a press conference that Lyoya attempted to flee during the encounter but there was a brief struggle before the victim was shot in the back of the head by the cop.

READ MORE: Michigan Police Release Video of Cop Fatally Shooting Patrick Lyoya, Hundreds Protest

Here’s more from Complex

The dashcam footage begins with the officer pulling Lyoya over in a residential area. Lyoya parks his car and exits with a seemingly confused look on his face. According to CNN, the officer orders him to get back in the vehicle. The officer then explains the issue over his license plate tags, and asks Lyoya if he speaks English. The man answers in the affirmative before opening his car door. Video then shows the men speaking for a few moments before Lyoya takes a few steps to the side. The officer attempts to stop Lyoya from moving and place him on the hood of the car.

A struggle immediately ensues, and Lyoya is seen making a run for it, before he is apprehended in a nearby front yard. The officer reportedly drew his taser, and was heard yelling “Stop resisting. Let go of the taser!” Lyoya is then pushed face down to the ground, before the officer pulls out his gun and shoots Lyoya in the head.

Prosecutors say Schurr was in the wrong.

After the footage was released, hundreds of protesters gathered outside a Michigan police station to demand justice for the victim, New York Post reports. 

“I feel based on the evidence I reviewed, a second-degree murder charge is appropriate,” Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said.

Protesters outside of police headquarters feel the officer has received a slap on the wrist. 

“I feel like it’s a slap in the face. I want first-degree murder and life without parole,” one protester said.

Schurr faces potential life in prison with the possibility of parole. A big deal is being made of his arrest now but don’t be surprised if he is quietly exonerated in a year or less.

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