After weeks of social activists demanding that the officer who shot Patrick Lyoya be charged with a crime, the Kent County Prosecutor’s office said Wednesday that it needs more time before making a decision.
In a prepared written statement, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said that he recognizes that his office “appears to be moving painstakingly slow,” however, he says because of the extraordinary interest in this case, he “felt it was important to inform the public that it will take additional time for a final decision”
It has been over six weeks since Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of head during a traffic stop on April 4th.
The shooting has resulted in multiple protests and demonstrations since that time from groups demanding that Schurr be charged in his death. Schurr is currently on administrative leave and has been stripped of his policing duties.
Despite the Michigan State Police having concluded its investigation of the shooting, Becker says additional expert guidance is needed before a decision is made.
So when will that be? It could be a while. The statement also reads that despite having already reached out for expert guidance, “it does not mean that a decision is imminent.”
