Protesters March in Grand Rapids After Mistrial Declared in Murder Trial of Former Officer Christopher Schurr
Grand Rapids, MI – On May 8, 2025, following the declaration of a mistrial in the high-profile murder trial of former police officer Christopher Schurr, a large group of protesters took to the streets of Grand Rapids to demand justice for Patrick Lyoya, the 26-year-old Congolese immigrant fatally shot by Schurr during a traffic stop in 2022. The marchers called on Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker to pursue a retrial, arguing that the community’s demand for accountability should not be overlooked despite the jury’s inability to reach a verdict.
The demonstration, which started in the heart of the city, was organized by a coalition of civil rights groups, local activists, and community members who had been advocating for justice for Lyoya since the shooting occurred. Protesters were visibly frustrated by the mistrial and expressed anger over what they see as an injustice in the face of overwhelming evidence, including video footage captured from several angles—Schurr’s body camera, a bystander’s cellphone, and a nearby doorbell security system.
Background: The Shooting of Patrick Lyoya
On the morning of April 4, 2022, Christopher Schurr, a white officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department, pulled over Patrick Lyoya in a residential neighborhood. Schurr stopped Lyoya’s vehicle because the license plate on his car was registered to a different vehicle. What began as a routine traffic stop escalated when Lyoya attempted to flee on foot. The two engaged in a struggle as Schurr tried to apprehend him.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control. During the altercation, Lyoya allegedly grabbed Schurr’s taser, prompting the officer to pull out his firearm. Schurr shot Lyoya in the back of the head, killing him instantly. The entire incident was captured on video from multiple angles, with the most significant footage coming from Schurr’s own body camera.
Schurr later testified during the trial that he feared for his life, claiming that he believed Lyoya would use the stun gun on him. He argued that the situation escalated too quickly for him to make any other decision but to use deadly force.
However, the video evidence, which many community members and activists believed showed an unjustified shooting, became a central point of contention during the trial. The jurors deliberated for days but ultimately could not come to a unanimous verdict. Judge Christina Mims declared a mistrial on May 8, 2025, after the jury reported that they were deadlocked on the second-degree murder charge.
The Call for a Retrial
Following the mistrial, a wave of frustration and anger rippled through the Grand Rapids community. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Kent County Circuit Court, demanding that Prosecutor Chris Becker retry Schurr. Becker had not made a definitive decision regarding whether to pursue a retrial, but the demonstrators were clear in their message: justice for Patrick Lyoya should not be delayed or dismissed.
“We will not stop fighting for Patrick,” shouted one protester during the march. “This is not over. We demand that the prosecutor do the right thing and hold Officer Schurr accountable.” The protest was peaceful, but the emotions were palpable as the community’s anger over the mistrial poured into the streets.
Many protesters expressed that the inability of the jury to reach a verdict reflected the deep divides over police accountability and race. Lyoya’s death had already sparked nationwide conversations about the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in communities of color. The shooting occurred in the wake of other high-profile incidents of police violence, such as the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which ignited widespread protests against police brutality in 2020.
Racial Tensions and Community Outrage
The fact that Christopher Schurr is white and Patrick Lyoya was Black has also fueled the racial undertones of the case. Many protestors and local activists have pointed to the racial disparities in police interactions with communities of color, especially Black men. The case became a focal point in the ongoing fight for racial justice in law enforcement practices, and the mistrial only deepened the sense of urgency within Grand Rapids’ Black community.
One protester, Maria Johnson, who had known Lyoya personally, shared her perspective on why a retrial was so crucial. “We can’t let this slide. Patrick’s life mattered, and the way he was treated doesn’t reflect the values of justice or fairness we should stand for,” Johnson said. “This mistrial just tells us that our lives don’t count, and that’s not something we can accept.”
The Role of Video Evidence
Video footage played a significant role throughout the trial, and it continues to be a point of contention. The body camera footage, which shows Schurr shooting Lyoya in the back of the head during their struggle, was central to the case. Activists and community leaders have stated that the video clearly contradicts the defense’s narrative that Schurr acted in self-defense.
Despite the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict, the footage has left an indelible mark on the public consciousness. For many, it represents the need for police officers to be held accountable for their actions, especially when deadly force is used in questionable circumstances.
The Future of the Case
In the aftermath of the mistrial, Prosecutor Chris Becker faces a difficult decision. While some have urged him to proceed with a retrial, others have cautioned against rushing into a second trial without careful consideration of the evidence and public sentiment.
In the days following the mistrial, Becker stated that he had not yet decided whether to pursue a retrial, but he emphasized that the decision would be made with a focus on justice for Patrick Lyoya and the community as a whole. “We understand the pain and frustration that this decision has caused. We will continue to carefully review the case and ensure that the next steps reflect the values of justice and accountability,” Becker said in a public statement.
As for the Lyoya family, they have expressed their desire for continued pursuit of justice. Peter Lyoya, Patrick’s father, spoke at the protest, calling for a retrial and for the officer to be held accountable. “We are not going to stop fighting for my son’s justice. I will not rest until the truth is heard and the law is upheld,” he said.
A Community United in Grief and Hope
The Grand Rapids protests are a reflection of the larger national conversation about police violence, accountability, and the need for systemic change in law enforcement. The frustration following the mistrial underscores the community’s ongoing battle for justice and fairness, particularly for marginalized communities who continue to feel the effects of institutionalized racism.
As the legal process continues, the people of Grand Rapids and the Lyoya family remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. The recent march, though filled with anger and sorrow, also carried a message of hope—that even in the face of setbacks, the fight for justice cannot be extinguished.
The case of Patrick Lyoya is far from over, and the call for a retrial is just one chapter in the ongoing struggle for accountability. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the mistrial, one thing is clear: Patrick Lyoya’s life matters, and his legacy will continue to inspire a movement for justice, not just in Grand Rapids, but across the nation.
How to Support the Cause
For those wishing to support the Lyoya family or become more involved in efforts for justice, local organizations are coordinating efforts to raise awareness and mobilize community action. Donations to advocacy groups and legal funds can be made to help continue the push for justice. More details can be found through local channels, and individuals are encouraged to stay informed as the case progresses.