Officer Testifies in Lyoya Murder Trial

Former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr is on trial for second-degree murder in the 2022 killing of Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop. Schurr testified he acted in self-defense, claiming he feared for his life after Lyoya gained control of his taser. The defense challenged the prosecution's expert witnesses and requested a mistrial and a directed verdict of acquittal, but the judge denied these motions, ruling the experts' testimony admissible. Video evidence showed a struggle ending with Schurr fatally shooting Lyoya in the back of the head. The jury will determine whether Schurr's use of force was justified. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for police use-of-force standards and community relations.