GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr to have a second-degree murder charge against thim dismissed.
The state's highest court issued the denial order this morning. A Kent County judge previously had ruled that the case against Schurr should proceed to trial.
It was in April 2022 that Schurr shot motorist Patrick Lyoya in the head during a struggle, after he fled from a traffic stop. Schurr's attorneys have contended that state law allows police to shoot fleeing suspects.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker tells WOOD Radio he is pleased with the court's decision.
"The courts at all levels have consistently held throughout this process that the charges were justified, and the case should proceed to have a jury decide the matter. We hope to move forward as quickly as possible to have a final resolution for Patrick’s family who has been patiently waiting for years for this to occur," Becker said.
###