“From this civil lawyer’s 36-years of practice, these charges fit pretty well.”
That’s Lyoya family Attorney Ven Johnson reacting Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charging Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr with Second Degree murder. Schurr shot the Congolese refugee in the back of the head following a struggle during an April 4th traffic stop.
“We absolutely applaud Mr. Becker and the Kent County Prosecutor’s office for doing the right thing.”
Based on the definition of Second-degree murder, Johnson says the charge fits.
“It was no question that death occurred and that death or really bad injury was intended and when you put a gun to the back of a young man’s head, and then pull the trigger, that’s exactly what that is.”
The shooting death of Patrick Lyoya has made international news. We asked Johnson if a fair trial can be held in Kent County?
“There will be a fair trial there. You look at the trial on behalf of the folks plotting the kidnapping and potential murder of Governor Whitmer. They had that trial in federal court, but they had it right in Grand Rapids. And there’s no more publicity from this than that. So, there’s no question in my mind that this trial will be in Kent County Circuit Court.”
Johnson tells us Prosecutor Becker, as a victims right advocate, is now in contact with the Lyoya family.
