LANSING, Mich. (May 22, 2025) — Today, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced that he will not be seeking another trial for Christopher Schurr, the former police officer whose trial for shooting and killing 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya ended in a mistrial earlier this month. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:
“In a case as tragic as this one, it is difficult to be pleased with any outcome, but it is especially difficult to move forward without a clear final verdict. While the details of this case are unique, the big picture is clear: too many Black people have died at the hands of police in this country – for too long, with too few examples of accountability.
“Our community continues to experience the profound grief of this tragedy. We know that no verdict could bring Mr. Lyoya back to his grieving family, erase the fears this incident has sparked within our immigrant and Black communities, or lift the burden on police officers who face real dangers every day.
“The rule of law and the judicial processes we follow are meant to ensure that every person will receive fair and equal treatment, and that applies to a traffic stop as much as a courtroom. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again: regardless of race or ethnicity, of immigration status or skin color – if our systems don’t protect everyone equally, then they need to change. I remain committed to that goal.”