The Michigan Court of Appeals found there is enough evidence to send ex-officer Christopher Schurr to trial in the death of Patrick Lyoya.
Schurr is accused of shooting and killing Lyoya during a traffic stop in April of 2022. His defense attorneys argue he should not be charged because the law allows officers to use deadly force against a fleeing felon.
Prosecutors argued the law requires use of reasonable force and contend the shooting was not justified.
The Appeals Court sided with the prosecution, stating there was “enough evidence of probable cause that the defendant’s actions did not satisfy the standards for use of deadly force in self-defense.”
In a statement Thursday, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker cautioned this ruling does not mean the case will now head to trial.
He expects the defense will appeal this decision to the Michigan Supreme Court, and expects further delays of at least several months in proceeding to trial.