The Michigan Supreme Court has denied the appeal of Christopher Schurr, a former Grand Rapids officer charged with second-degree murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya, a decision that allows the case to move to trial. The court’s ruling, issued Monday, stated, “We are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court,” affirming that the decision to bind the case to Kent County Circuit Court was within “the principled range of outcomes.”
Schurr, 31, is accused of fatally shooting Lyoya, 26, during an April 2022 traffic stop for a license plate violation. When Lyoya fled, the situation escalated into a struggle, culminating in Schurr firing the fatal shot. Lyoya’s family alleges Schurr violated his Fourth Amendment rights. Schurr’s legal team argued for governmental immunity, but a judge ruled on January 25 that sufficient evidence existed to send the case to trial. Subsequent appeals were denied, including the Michigan Court of Appeals’ September 9 ruling, which cited “lack of appellate jurisdiction.”
Two justices, Brian K. Zahra and David F. Viviano, dissented, suggesting the Court of Appeals should evaluate whether Lyoya had a dangerous weapon during the encounter. Despite the dissent, Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “The courts at all levels have consistently held... the charges were justified, and the case should proceed to have a jury decide the matter.” He emphasized the importance of reaching a resolution for Lyoya’s family.
Ven Johnson, attorney for the Lyoya family, hailed the decision as a pivotal moment. “On behalf of the Lyoya family, we are thrilled to announce that... the Michigan Supreme Court has ‘denied the application for leave to appeal,’” he said. Johnson viewed the ruling as a step closer to justice, adding, “We’re going to be on our path to trial and be able to share more information about what really happened that day very, very soon.”
The case now returns to trial court, with proceedings likely beginning in 2025.
Link: WWMT
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