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second-degree murder charge against Christopher Schurr was
dropped after a jury in Kent County couldn't reach a unanimous
verdict in 2025. But he still faces a civil lawsuit by Patrick
Lyoya's family under different legal standards.
U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney suggested it wasn't difficult
to keep the case on track. At this stage, he said he had to view
the evidence in a light most favorable to the family.
“The record suggests that (Schurr) shot a man who posed no
threat of violence, held no weapon, and who was under
Defendant’s physical control,” Maloney said. “That violates the
Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable seizures.”
Schurr, who was a Grand Rapids officer, has long claimed
self-defense. He says he shot Lyoya in 2022 because the man had
control of his Taser. The shooting followed a traffic stop, foot
chase and an intense physical confrontation that lasted more
than two minutes.
Schurr was on top of Lyoya on the ground when he shot the
26-year-old Congolese immigrant.
Schurr's lawyers told Maloney that he was entitled to immunity
in the lawsuit, claiming the “use of force was objectively
reasonable.” The judge, however, said Schurr's version of what
happened with the Taser doesn't fit with the video.
“Despite every effort to have this case thrown out, the court
ruled that the core of Patrick’s civil rights claims will move
forward,” said Ven Johnson, a lawyer for Lyoya's family.
A message seeking comment was left for Schurr's attorney.
Schurr, who was a Grand Rapids officer for seven years, was
fired after he was charged in 2022.
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