Michigan city fires officer who was charged with second-degree murder in Patrick Lyoya's death
The Grand Rapids, Michigan, police officer who was arraigned last week on charges connected to the death of Patrick Lyoya has been fired.
Christopher Schurr, who previously turned himself in, has pleaded not guilty in the April 4 fatal shooting of Lyoya, a Congolese refugee. Video and autopsy reports show the 26-year-old was shot in the back of the head after being pulled over at a traffic stop.
Schurr, 31, was charged with second-degree murder, meaning that the prosecutor believes the death was not planned or that it was caused by reckless conduct or an obvious lack of concern for a person's life.
"I have decided to terminate Mr. Schurr’s employment with the Grand Rapids Police Department effective June 10, 2022," Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington said Wednesday. "Due to the ongoing criminal matter and the potential for civil litigation, I will not be providing any additional comment."
Washington added that he accepted the recommendation of the police chief and the labor relations office that Schurr be fired and scheduled a hearing, but the officer waived his right to proceedings.
The case has garnered national media attention in part because it was another death of a Black man at the hands of a white police officer and raises questions about the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
Schurr was routinely commended for chasing suspects on foot, receiving 16 different letters or certificates of recognition from Grand Rapids police leaders during his time in the department.
He had been on the force since 2015 and was initially placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting.
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Officials did not release Schurr's name for weeks, angering civil rights leaders.
The police chief later said he would recommend Schurr's suspension without pay from the police force pending termination.
Schurr's bond for release was set at $100,000 with conditions. He is not allowed to purchase or possess any firearms or dangerous weapons, must report to court service and is not permitted to engage in any threatening or intimidating behavior.
If found guilty, Schurr could face life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Contact Frank Witsil: fwitsil@freepress.com.