PATRICK LYOYA

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Attorneys representing a former Grand Rapids police officer charged with fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, are asking a judge to delay their client’s upcoming preliminary hearing. A motion to adjourn that hearing was filed by Schurr’s defense team – Mark Dodge and Matthew Borgula – on Tuesday, Aug. 16. The preliminary hearing was originally set for July 18 but rescheduled to Aug. 30 after the defense team requested an adjournment due to a large amount of evidence to review. The two fought over control of Schurr’s Taser before the officer fired his weapon while on top of Lyoya. More on MLive:Officer in Patrick Lyoya’s killing used Taser in struggle with different fleeing man last yearMan who recorded Patrick Lyoya killing pulled out cellphone because he knew something was wrongKey court hearing delayed for Grand Rapids officer accused of murderSupporters of Officer Schurr, Patrick Lyoya clash as bond set at $100,000Patrick Lyoya’s dad questioned officer’s actions in police interview days after son’s killing

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids police will soon be required to warn people before using deadly force, and the “sanctity of life” will be their highest priority, officials say. Those are two of a number of policy changes Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom outlined Tuesday morning, July 26, after a monthslong review and more than 100 meetings with community members. Winstrom promised the review of department policies and practices, and potential recommended changes, when he was hired as the new chief in March. “In the face of intense public scrutiny, the men and women of GRPD continue to give a 100% effort to make Grand Rapids a safer place for everyone,” Winstrom said. “Our success will hinge not only on our efforts to provide professional, compassionate and courageous service, but on the support Grand Rapids shows its police officers.”Read more:NAACP says civil rights charges against Grand Rapids police long overdue in Honestie caseChild marriage is still legal in Michigan.

In July 2020 I announced in a column that MLive was curtailing its routine use of police mugshots in crime stories. “We need to be mindful and sensitive where we can to the community because ultimately, we’re serving the community, serving our readers,” he said. “The focus of the training has been looking at what we typically cover for crime and why we do it,” Weidmayer said. That’s why “public safety” is a more precise and expansive term than “crime reporting.” Words and definitions matter. “We’re doing a disservice if we just go into a neighborhood when a (crime) situation happens,” Acosta said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Grand Rapids city leader has issued an apology after swearing and walking out of the Tuesday, July 12, commission meeting in frustration. “I want to apologize to my constituents and the entire city for my outburst and use of inappropriate language at Tuesday evening’s city commission meeting,” First Ward City Commission Jon O’Connor said in a statement Friday, July 15. Related: GRPD chief: 3 arrested at Grand Rapids meeting after officer shovedMayor Rosalynn Bliss had asked several people disrupting to leave, but they continued to disrupt from the adjoining hallway. Related: City commissioners targeted by vandalism tied to Patrick Lyoya’s killing by policeO’Connor said he remains committed to working for positive outcomes in Grand Rapids. In Grand Rapids, however, we must rise above,” he said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Three protesters were arrested at the Grand Rapids City Commission meeting Tuesday evening after one shoved a police officer and the two others attempted to obstruct the arrest of that person, according to police officials. It wasn’t the first time protesters have disrupted those giving public comment, nor the first time Bliss has asked people to leave for disrupting. In one instance, Bliss adjourned the May 24 city commission meeting because some protesters shouted down an anti-abortion activist giving public comment. After he called her the “most racist mayor” in the city’s history and in the country, Bliss informed him his three minutes allotted for public comment was up. It was the fourth city commission meeting since Lyoya’s April 4 killing that Bliss had adjourned early due to disruptions.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Three people were arrested and a city commissioner walked out swearing during the Grand Rapids City Commission meeting Tuesday evening that was once again adjourned early due to disruptions. The arrests happened after two attendees were asked to leave for disrupting a person giving public comment in support of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr. Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss had cut off at least one person’s microphone during public comment after they swore. Bliss asked the man to be seated but instead he put his fingers in his ears and continued to shout. Bliss first asked him to stop disrupting and later to leave the meeting before she eventually adjourned the meeting amid his outburst.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A key court hearing for former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr has been delayed until Aug. 30. Schurr is charged with second-degree murder in the April 4 shooting of Patrick Lyoya along a Southeast Grand Rapids street. Schurr shot Lyoya during a struggle following a traffic stop on Nelson Avenue SE just north of Griggs Street. The two fought over control of Schurr’s Taser before the officer fired his weapon while on top of Lyoya. Grand Rapids police earlier released body camera and cell phone footage.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Three Democrats will square off Aug. 2 to represent their party in the November election for the new 82nd State House District. Grant is a real estate developer and trustee on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social relations and policy from Michigan State University. Al-Shatel:I am a product of the public school system from both an inner-city and more residential public school system. Better public school funding and updating the zoning policies are two immediate changes our government can take on.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The April 4 fatal police shooting of Patrick Lyoya was not the first time Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr had used his Taser in a struggle with a man. In the April 4 fight with Lyoya, Schurr also chased Lyoya down and tried to use his Taser on him but it was not successful. Schurr’s camera fell off during the struggle and both it and the Taser were found beneath Lyoya following the shooting. He believed the struggle, with Schurr on top of Lyoya, was the inadvertent cause of the button press. Related stories:Man who recorded Patrick Lyoya killing pulled out cellphone because he knew something was wrongPolice officer who killed Patrick Lyoya should be charged with first-degree murder, protesters sayProsecutor says he followed the facts in charging officer with murder in Patrick Lyoya caseOfficer Schurr’s attorneys say he will be cleared at trial of Patrick Lyoya’s killing

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Soon after Patrick Lyoya was killed by a Grand Rapids police officer, his father asked state police investigators why the officer had to kill his son. The father’s pastor said it was because he was Black.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A passenger with Patrick Lyoya told police he “knew something was wrong” and started recording the police struggle that ended with Lyoya’s shooting death. Schurr has since been fired by the Grand Rapids Police Department and charged with murder by Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker. Lyoya had been sleeping, but they woke him to give another friend a ride to downtown Grand Rapids. The passenger told police that Lyoya pulled over because his car was making loud noises. Schurr was driving behind Lyoya at that point and told Lyoya he was being stopped because the license plate did not match the car.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Despite already being fired, former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr’s fatal use of force against Patrick Lyoya is still the focus of an ongoing Internal Affairs investigation. The killing occurred during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids police spokesperson Jennifer Kalczuk told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press by email that the investigation by the department’s Internal Affairs Unit into Schurr’s use of force was opened immediately after the incident and remains ongoing. That review comes on top of a department-wide review Winstrom pledged to conduct when he started as chief in March. Schurr told Lyoya, a 26-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo immigrant, that his license plate did not belong to the vehicle he was driving.

"The elements of second-degree murder are relatively simple," Becker said during a news conference Thursday. "First, there was a death, a death done by the defendant. Then when the killing occurred, the defendant had one of these three...

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Some protesters told city leaders Tuesday the now-former Grand Rapids police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya should be charged with first-degree murder and remain jailed. “We demand that Christopher Schurr be put back in jail and charged with first-degree murder, because we all know that that was premeditiation becuase he had to have turned off his body cam or disabled it in some kind of way and then turned it back on,” one person told the Grand Rapids City Commission.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An attorney for former police officer Christopher Schurr said Tuesday, June 21, that his client is prepared to defend himself against a second-degree murder charge. Attorney Matthew Borgula said that Schurr was justified in the April 4 fatal shooting of Black motorist Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop. Becker declined to comment after the hearing but earlier said that the second-degree murder charge was appropriate. Schurr told Lyoya to stay in the car but Lyoya ignored the officer’s orders and ran away before he was stopped by the officer. Related:Prosecutor says he followed the facts in charging officer with murder in Patrick Lyoya casePolice officer fired days after being charged with murder of Patrick LyoyaSupporters of Officer Schurr, Patrick Lyoya clash as bond set at $100,000Officer Schurr acknowledges in statement he shot Patrick Lyoya in back of head

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A judge set a July 18 date to hear evidence in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya by a former Grand Rapids police officer. Christopher Schurr is accused of the charge for the April 4 shooting death of 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya along a Southeast Grand Rapids street. He waived his right to a termination hearing on June 15 and was fired June 15 by Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington. The shooting of Patrick Lyoya, caught on a cell phone video, has received national attention. Related:Grand Rapids police chief recommends officer who killed Patrick Lyoya be fired‘A new day in Grand Rapids:’ Community groups welcome murder charge against police officer‘This is a start,’ activists say at rally after officer charged with murdering Patrick Lyoya‘Now the fight really begins,’ NAACP says after officer charged in Patrick Lyoya killing

Officer Christopher Schurr waived his right to a hearing after being charged in Patrick Lyoya's murder after a traffic stop on April 4.

Officials say a Michigan police officer charged with murder after shooting Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head has been fired.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The officer accused of murder in the April 4 shooting death of Patrick Lyoya has been fired, Grand Rapids city leaders say. Officer Christopher Schurr waived his right to a discharge hearing.

Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr has been charged with second-degree murder

A judge set bond at $100,000 for a Michigan police officer charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Patrick Lyoya.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Supporters of Patrick Lyoya on Friday, June 10, clashed in a courtroom hallway with those backing Christopher Schurr, the Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot Lyoya. Lyoya’s supporters chanted, “Justice for Patrick,” and shouted at Schurr supporters as they left a Grand Rapids courtroom where Schurr, 31, was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder in Lyoya’s fatal shooting. As Schurr supporters walked by, a man said: “All these people showing up with shirts that say, ‘Standing with Schurr,’ are surely mistaken. Murder was happening in the streets of Grand Rapids and murder will not be accepted. Following the arraignment, protesters calling for justice for Patrick Lyoya followed supporters of Schurr, including family, friends and fellow officers, back to the Grand Rapids Police Department where they continued to clash.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Suspended Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr provided a written statement to state police investigating the killing of Black motorist Patrick Lyoya. “And, in – Officer Schurr’s written statement, he confirms what the passenger’s cellphone video shows, which is him drawing his firearm and shooting Patrick in the back of the head causing his death,” according to a probable-cause affidavit filed Friday, June 10.

The Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop on April 4 was arraigned Friday at 1:30 p.m. on a second-degree murder charge.

Officer Christopher Schurr was arraigned on a felony count of second-degree murder

A judge set bond at $100,000 for a Michigan police officer charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Patrick Lyoya.

A judge set bond at $100,000 for a Michigan police officer charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Patrick Lyoya.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The attorneys for a Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Black motorist Patrick Lyoya called the shooting an “unfortunate tragedy” and said the officer will be acquitted at trial. Related:Prosecutor says he followed the facts in charging officer with murder in Patrick Lyoya caseSchurr, 31, a seven-year officer, is represented by Grand Rapids attorneys Mark Dodge and Matthew Borgula, a former federal prosecutor. In a statement, the attorneys said they were disappointed that Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charged Schurr with second-degree murder. Related: Grand Rapids police chief recommends officer who killed Patrick Lyoya be firedChief Eric Winstrom said Thursday that termination proceedings had begun. 46 Grand Rapids police officer's fatal shooting Patrick LyoyaRelated:‘A new day in Grand Rapids:’ Community groups welcome murder charge against police officer‘This is a start,’ activists say at rally after officer charged with murdering Patrick Lyoya‘Now the fight really begins,’ NAACP says after officer charged in Patrick Lyoya killing

A Michigan prosecutor who charged a police officer with murder in the shooting of Patrick Lyoya is being praised by some of his early critics.

A Michigan police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was on the ground when he was shot in the back of the head following a traffic stop captured on a bystander's phone, was expected to have an initial court hearing Friday on...

Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr has been booked into the Calhoun County Jail Thursday (June 9) night after he was charged with second-degree murder for the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya.Schurr is expected to face a judge Friday (June 10).

GRAND RAPIDS, MI —‘ Reactions were mixed Thursday as activists gathered outside the Grand Rapids Police Department following the Kent County Prosecutor’s decision to charge the Grand Rapids police officer that killed Patrick Lyoya with second-degree murder. Related: Police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya charged with murder“I was really happy,” said Jimmy Barwan, who said he was Lyoya’s cousin. They marched around the police station at least once, and later walked to city hall and around the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Schurr, a seven-year veteran of the police force, is expected to be arraigned Friday in Grand Rapids District Court. “I didn’t expect it to go that way,” said Ward, a 34-year-old personal care aid from Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Local NAACP President Cle Jackson was shocked, but pleased when Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr was charged with second-degree murder in the killing of Patrick Lyoya on Thursday afternoon. Related: Police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya charged with murder“Now the fight really begins,” Jackson said in a Thursday press conference at the NAACP Grand Rapids headquarters, 1530 Madison Ave. Once he had hold of Lyoya, Schurr told him to put his hands behind his back and to stop resisting. The Grand Rapids police officer is expected to be arraigned in 61st District Court Friday. More on MLive:Grand Rapids pastors call for federal investigation into Patrick Lyoya killing‘A new day in Grand Rapids:’ Community groups welcome murder charge against police officerMurder charge against officer in Patrick Lyoya case sends a message, expert says

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids police chief is recommending that his officer, now charged with murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya, be suspended without pay before he is ultimately fired. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom on Thursday, June 9, said that by the end of the day he plans to submit a letter to the city manager recommending that Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr be suspended without pay and terminated. RELATED: Prosecutor says he followed the facts in charging officer with murder in Patrick Lyoya case“I don’t have any reason to believe that Mr. Becker made an incorrect decision,” Winstrom said. The officer told Lyoya that his license plate did not belong to the vehicle he was driving. Related MLive stories:Black man’s fatal shooting by Grand Rapids police ‘very sad day for our city’Patrick Lyoya was working to turn around his life before police officer killed himOfficer Christopher Schurr went from college athlete to cop before killing Patrick LyoyaAt funeral for Patrick Lyoya, Rev.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Law experts expressed different opinions on whether charging a Grand Rapids police officer with murder in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya was the right call. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker on Thursday, June 9, announced his decision to charge officer Christopher Schurr with second degree murder in the April 4 shooting death of Patrick Lyoya. Video captured Schurr shooting Lyoya, a Black man, in the back of the head while Lyoya was face down on the ground. “There was absolutely no reason to use deadly force.”Related: Police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya charged with murderThe video shows Schurr repeatedly telling Lyoya to let go of the officer’s taser. Schurr had pulled Lyoya over because the license plate was not registered to the car he was driving.

Patrick Lyoya’s father Peter Lyoya reacted to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker’s decision to charge Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr with second-degree murder Thursday (June 9) afternoon.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Eric Brown was surprised when he heard authorities had charged a Grand Rapids police officer with murder in the killing of Black motorist Patrick Lyoya. It’s not because Brown, the president and CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan, questioned the charges; he believes the correct charges – second-degree murder – were issued. “I truly was not expecting that decision.”Brown and Patterson said the charge is a step in the right direction but that the fight for police accountability in Grand Rapids is far from over. Patterson said many of the roadblocks to police reform in Grand Rapids stem from the police union’s contracts. Read more:Prosecutor says he followed the facts in charging officer with murder in Patrick Lyoya casePatrick Lyoya’s father: Decision to charge officer brings a ‘little bit of consolation to our family’Police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya charged with murder

A Michigan police officer has been charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head as the Black man was on the ground.

KENT COUNTY, MI – Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said Thursday, June 9, that his decision to charge a Grand Rapids police officer in the killing of Patrick Lyoya was not intended as a message to police or the community. It’s where the facts led, he said.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said Schurr has turned himself in and will be arraigned tomorrow.

Following the decision to charge Schurr, Peter Lyoya said it is important to continue to advocate for justice as the legal process continues to unfold. Patrick Lyoya was fatally shot in an 8:11 a.m. April 4 traffic stop in Southeast Grand Rapids. Once he had hold of Lyoya, Schurr told him to put his hands behind his back and to stop resisting. Related: Grand Rapids pastors call for federal investigation into Patrick Lyoya killingLyoya was on the ground, trying to get up with Schurr on top of him. Protesters, including those who have disrupted Grand Rapids City Commission meetings, have also called for charges.

The Grand Rapids officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop in April has been charged with second-degree murder.

Prosecutor Chris Becker announced charges Thursday against Grand Rapids Officer Christopher Schurr, weeks after Patrick Lyoya was killed.

Video of the encounter, in which an officer shot Lyoya in the head after a struggle during a traffic stop, sparked national outrage and calls for the officer to be charged.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Kent County prosecutors have authorized a charge of second-degree murder against a Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed a motorist during a struggle. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker’s decision came more than two months after the April 4 shooting along a Southeast Grand Rapids street that put a national spotlight on Grand Rapids. BeIt involved a white Grand Rapids police officer, 31-year-old Christopher Schurr, and Black motorist, 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya. Related: Grand Rapids pastors call for federal investigation into Patrick Lyoya killingThe two fought over control of the Taser, which had been fired twice during the altercation. Related MLive stories:Black man’s fatal shooting by Grand Rapids police ‘very sad day for our city’Patrick Lyoya was working to turn around his life before police officer killed himOfficer Christopher Schurr went from college athlete to cop before killing Patrick LyoyaAt funeral for Patrick Lyoya, Rev.

Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker gave no hints Wednesday, saying only that he would disclose his “charging decision” at an afternoon news conference in Grand Rapids.

Kent County prosecutor Christopher Becker did not hint whether charges would be brought against Grand Rapids Officer Christopher Schurr, who has been placed on administrative leave after he killed Lyoya on April 4.

The event will take place at the Michigan State Police sixth district headquarters in Grand Rapids. RELATED: Prosecutor to announce decision Thursday in officer’s fatal shooting of Patrick LyoyaThe case has been in Becker’s hands since late April, when state police submitted its investigation findings to the prosecutor. The traffic stop happened at 8:11 a.m. on Nelson Avenue SE north of Griggs Street. Once he had hold of Lyoya, Schurr told him to put his hands behind his back and to stop resisting. Protesters, including those who have disrupted Grand Rapids City Commission meetings, have also called for charges.

Officer Schurr faces up to life in prison if convicted

A Michigan police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya with a shot to the back of the Black man’s head has been charged with second-degree murder.

We’re less than 24 hours away from the Kent County Prosecutor announcing whether they’ll charge the Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop. The information in the case came in waves.

The Kent County Prosecutor is expected to announce whether the Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya was justified or whether charges are warranted.

KENT COUNTY, MI – Prosecutor Chris Becker will announce Thursday, June 9, if Grand Rapids police Officer Christopher Schurr will be charged in the fatal shooting of Black motorist Patrick Lyoya. The press conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday at the Michigan State Police sixth district headquarters in Grand Rapids. The officer told Lyoya that his license plate did not “belong” to the vehicle. Once he had hold of Lyoya, Schurr told him to put his hands behind his back and to stop resisting. Protesters, including those who have disrupted Grand Rapids City Commission meetings, have also called for charges.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A multi-racial group of Grand Rapids pastors convened Wednesday to call on city and county leaders with one voice and demand change following the police shooting of Patrick Lyoya. For a federal investigation to be launched into the killing as well as the history and culture of the Grand Rapids Police Department. The Grand Rapids Association of Pastors officials said Becker has rejected their demand. Grand Rapids officials reached out to the group Wednesday morning about having them meet with the police chief and other city staff. Willie Gholston III, pastor of First Community A.M.E. Church, said he believes police reform at the Grand Rapids Police Department is coming, but it’ll take accountability.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A coalition of pastors are calling for continued attention on the killing of Patrick Lyoya, specifically on the questions of what charges will be brought and what changes will be made. Among their list of demands, the pastors are requesting a federal investigation into the police officer’s fatal shooting of Lyoya and the culture of the Grand Rapids Police Department. For a federal investigation to be launched into the killing as well as the history and culture of the Grand Rapids Police Department. “This anger is rooted in our deep belief in the dignity, the image of God, that dwelled in Patrick Lyoya. RELATED: Christopher Schurr went from college athlete to cop before killing Patrick LyoyaBecker has not yet announced whether he will criminally charge Schurr.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The father of Patrick Lyoya, the Grand Rapids man who died after a police shooting, attended a White House event where President Biden signed an order on police accountability. An interpreter for the Lyoya family, Israel Siku, confirmed that he and Peter Lyoya attended the ceremony, along with civil rights attorney Ben Crump and attorney Ven Johson. Peter Lyoya’s son, 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya, was fatally shot April 4 in an 8:11 a.m. traffic stop in Southeast Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr pulled Lyoya’s car over and told him the license plate did not match the vehicle. The struggle was continuing when Schurr, who was on top of Lyoya, pulled out his gun and shot Lyoya in the head.

Police officers in some cities are being told not to stop drivers for minor infractions.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids’ police oversight office is set to more than double in staffing size. The staffing expansion comes in the wake of increased scrutiny on the police department following the killing of Patrick Lyoya by a Grand Rapids police officer. That latest work comes after the April 4 killing of Lyoya, a 26-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo immigrant, by a Grand Rapids police officer. Kellogg Foundation to hire two full-time “justice analysts” for the city’s Office of Oversight and Public Accountability. Kellogg Foundation for helping to ensure that all people feel safe and are safe at all times in Grand Rapids by greatly increasing OPA’s capacity,” Davis said.

The company best known for developing the Taser is expanding virtual reality and immersive training to help encourage police officers across the U.S. to more regularly train with less-than-lethal weapons.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Police have identified a man killed in a May 15 shooting as 40-year-old William Hannah. The Kent County Medical Examiner completed an autopsy and ruled the Hannah’s death as a homicide, Grand Rapids police said. Related: Man shot, killed on Grand Rapids’ Southeast SideNo suspects have been arrested in connection to the shooting in the 800 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE. Police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives directly at 616-456-3380 or anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org. Read more on MLive:‘Tremendous help for my neighborhood:’ Resident applauds new, $1.5M Trinity Health pharmacyPatrick Lyoya was working to turn around his life before police officer killed himOfficer Christopher Schurr went from college athlete to cop before killing Patrick Lyoya

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As police recruits go, Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr’s background made him an ideal candidate. He attended Siena Heights University and competed on the college’s track team. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press attempted to make contact with several people, including Schurr, to develop a portrait of the police officer. Schurr has lived in the Grand Rapids area most of his life and went to high school in Byron Center. Ryan Lucas, who helped recruit Schurr to Sienna Heights for track, shared similar concerns about Schurr becoming a police officer.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Patrick Lyoya was the first-born son. In his refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the role seemed to weigh on him.

A prosecutor said Wednesday that he will only decide whether to charge a white Michigan police officer in last month’s fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, after he finishes discussing it with experts.

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

Toxicology reports on Patrick Lyoya show his blood alcohol was more than three times the legal limit the morning he was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids police officer.

A Michigan police officer who shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head had no complaints of excessive force against him, according to his personnel file.

Patrick Lyoya, 26, died after being shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids officer on April 4.

The union representing police officers in a Michigan city is defending the officer who shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head.

A civil rights group is demanding that the Michigan attorney general investigate the police shooting of Patrick Lyoya, warning the longstanding relationship between the county prosecutor's office and Grand Rapids police could lead to bias.

Grand Rapids police have released the name of the officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop on April 4.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, police have identified Christopher Schurr as the officer who killed Patrick Lyoya three weeks ago.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, police have identified Christopher Schurr as the officer who killed Patrick Lyoya three weeks ago.

Dozens came together marching against what they call an injustice, the death of Patrick Lyoya.

Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy for Patrick Lyoya, the 26-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids police officer.

A funeral service is planned for Friday in Grand Rapids for 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was shot and killed by a police officer after a traffic stop earlier this month.

The Rev. Al Sharpton is demanding that authorities release the name of the Michigan officer who killed Patrick Lyoya, a Black man and native of Congo who was fatally shot in the back of the head after a struggle.

On Friday (April 22), a funeral will be held for Patrick Lyoya, the man shot and killed by a police officer in Grand Rapids. Thursday in Lansing, people gathered to demand justice and to demand more information be released by police.

The independent autopsy was done this past Saturday (April 16) on 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya. The results only confirm what we have all seen unfold on video. It’s been concluded that Lyoya died from a single gunshot wound that went through the back of his skull near the midline, at point-blank range.

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

A Michigan police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop pressed the gun against the Black man’s head when firing the fatal shot.

A Michigan police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop pressed the gun against the Black man’s head when firing the fatal shot.

Patrick Lyoya’s father says he and his family have a right to know the name of the white officer who fatally shot the 26-year-old Black man.

Patrick Lyoya’s father says he and his family have a right to know the name of the white officer who fatally shot the 26-year-old Black man.

On April 4, Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was shot in the head by a Grand Rapids police officer during a traffic stop. Many questions still remain.

Video shows Patrick Lyoya disobeyed an officer during an April 4 traffic stop, tried to run, then wrestled with the officer over his Taser before the officer fatally shot him in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Body camera footage of Patrick Lyoya’s fatal encounter with a Michigan police officer shows a close-up view of an intense struggle -- but the video goes dark 42 seconds before the officer shoots the Black man in the head.

Body camera footage of Patrick Lyoya’s fatal encounter with a Michigan police officer shows a close-up view of an intense struggle -- but the video goes dark 42 seconds before the officer shoots the Black man in the head.

The fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya in Michigan raises questions about why a traffic stop turned into a foot chase and vigorous tussle before the motorist was killed by a police officer.

Former Detroit police chief Ike McKinnon has spent a lifetime in law enforcement. He walked Local 4 through the actions of that Grand Rapids police officer.

Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer on April 4.

Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer on April 4.

Hundreds of protesters were gathered outside the Grand Rapids Police Department Wednesday (April 13) afternoon, demanding justice in the case of an officer who shot and killed 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya.

The Grand Rapids Police Department released four videos that show one of its officers shooting and killing Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a confrontation earlier this month.

The Grand Rapids Police Department released four videos on Wednesday that show one of its officers shooting and killing Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a confrontation earlier this month.

The Grand Rapids Police Department says it will release video that shows one of its officers shooting and killing Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Black man, during a confrontation with police earlier this month.

Video shows a Michigan police officer struggling with a Black man over a Taser before fatally shooting him in the head while the man was face down on the ground.

Hundreds of people joined a protest march during which family members of a man fatally shot by a western Michigan police officer called for public release of video from the confrontation.