Posted on 05/08/2025 6:28:46 PM PDT by xxqqzz
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Judge Christina Mims has declared a mistrial in the trial of Christopher Schurr after the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
For parts of four days, the jury deliberated over whether the former Grand Rapids police officer was guilty of second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter in the death of Patrick Lyoya.
On Tuesday, Judge Mims read an instruction — also known as the Allen charge — to the jurors, encouraging them to "talk things over in the spirit of fairness and frankness."
Ultimately, the twelve could not reach unanimity in the case, causing a mistrial to be declared on Thursday, May 8.
The prosecution may now retry the case with a new jury — a potential monthslong process — dismiss the charges or enter into a plea agreement with the defendant.
In order to convict or acquit the defendant, the jurors must reach a unanimous verdict. If they are unable, the judge may declare a mistrial.
Schurr, a former Grand Rapids police officer, is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old black man whom he shot in the back of the head during an April 2022 traffic stop.
As seen through body camera and dash camera videos from the incident — as well as a cell phone video recorded by a passenger in Lyoya's car — the two had been struggling over Schurr's taser in the front yard of a residence in a southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood.
While the former officer's lawyers claim he acted self-defense, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker says Schurr's actions were not justified.
(Excerpt) Read more at fox17online.com ...
Totally ridiculous case. There are some really questionable police shootings, etc. However, he had no choice at chose quarters after the guy got his taser.
There were large demonstrations calling for "racial justice", which is probably partly why he was prosecuted.
“Probably some on the jury absolutely wouldn’t convict him of anything.”
Plus some on the jury that wanted to ‘maintain the peace’, so they voted to convict, regardless of the circumstances.
But a mistrial is probably the best ending - lets the natives cool down a bit and may give the prosecution a way out without the town burning down.
I lived in Grand Rapids decades ago. My daughter was born there. I volunteered at Republican headquarters to get money from Republicans for a wonderful “free” dinner. Was so good at igetting money that state chairman invited me to move, become state finance director. Didn’t want to take my kids out of grade school, so declined.
WTF happened to formerly safe, Republican city?
Grand Rapids has become a little liberal enclave. As recently as the 1960’s it was a conservative Republican area, with the Dutch Reformed church being a big driver of that.
CC
I remember Dutch reformed church, though I didn’t gp there. See my post above about my years in Grand Rapids.
Just more lawfare against those caught in the crossfire.
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