The second-degree murder trial for former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr began on Monday morning.
Schurr shot and killed Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop in April 2022.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker called eight witnesses on Monday. Becker says he has three more witnesses to call in the coming days.
Wayne Butler lives near where the incident happened and testified that he witnessed the struggle between Schurr and Lyoya. Butler testified that he saw Lyoya get out of his car and saw Schurr attempt to fire his Taser at Lyoya. Butler says the men then wrestled in the yard and he ran to get his phone before a shot was fired.
Aime Tuyishme, the passenger in Lyoya's car that day, also testified. Tuyishme says Lyoya spent the night on his couch the night before the incident and they woke up and picked up beers shortly before the traffic stop. He says the vehicle was stopped and Lyoya began exchanging words with the officer. Tuyishme testified it started looking bad so he began recording the interaction on his cellphone.
Kent County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Cohle testified on Monday. He said Lyoya suffered a single gunshot wound to the back on his head. Cohle says the wound was likely a contact wound as there was no gunpowder residue around the wound.
A crime scene technician testified that Schurr was normally a happy and outgoing guy but was very quiet and didn't speak much after the incident. Technician Jessica Beaudry says she took photos of Schurr that day and noticed his right wrist looked red and swollen and there was some dirt and debris on his face.
View the full story on WOOD TV