Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker has called for a Thursday afternoon news conference. At 3pm, Becker will release his decision in the case of Patrick Lyoya.
The 26-year old Congolese refugee was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids police officer during an April 4th traffic stop. Multiple videos show Lyoya ran away from officer Christopher Schurr. There’s a struggle for the officer’s Taser and then the fatal shot. The traffic stop was made when the license plate did not match the car Lyoya was driving.
Michigan State Police has been conducting the investigation. Following the April 13th release of dashboard, body camera and residential surveillance video, Becker issued a statement he could not review the case until all the evidence was gathered and that partial evidence is not enough.
Becker had been waiting for forensic reports from the manufacturers of the Taser and body camera.
The Kent County Medical Examiner’s autopsy report confirmed the cause of death was a shot to the back of the head. An independent autopsy confirmed that conclusion. Toxicology results indicate Lyoya was intoxicated with a .29 blood alcohol level. More than three times the legal limit.
The news conference begins @ 3pm and livestreamed on Kent County’s Facebook and YouTube channels
