Christopher Schurr testifies in Patrick Lyoya murder trial

Former officer defends actions in court testimony

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Christopher Schurr, the former officer charged with second-degree murder in Patrick Lyoya’s death, took the stand Friday morning.

Watch live: Ex-officer takes the stand as murder trial continues in death of Patrick Lyoya

Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids Police Officer during a traffic stop in April 2022.

“I feel like it’s important to get my side of the story out,” said Schurr at the beginning of his testimony.

Schurr’s background, motivation for joining police

The jury learned about Schurr’s background, as he answered questions about his life going back to being a college athlete in track and field.

He also talked about marrying his high school sweetheart in Kenya.

“We were there on a mission trip,” Schurr said.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker objected, saying it’s irrelevant.

Judge Christina Mims sustained the objection.

When asked why he wanted to join the police academy, Schurr said, “I just wanted to do a job that was more fulfilling.”

Schurr talked about his training at the academy and at the Grand Rapids Police Department.

He was also asked about being tased as part of training.

“It’s extremely, excruciating pain,” Schurr said.

Defense Attorney Mark Dodge then asked, “After having felt the effects of the taser, would you volunteer to do it again?”

“No,” Schurr responded.

Details of the day of the shooting

Shifting focus to the day of the deadly shooting, Schurr walked the jury through his morning routine. He stated he arrived at work at 5 a.m. on April 4, 2022. Schurr explained that he initiated the traffic stop because the license plate did not match the vehicle.

Without mentioning Lyoya by name, Schurr described how “the driver” did not comply with his commands and ran away. Prior to the incident, Schurr noted he had partaken in 30 to 40 solo foot chases.

Schurr detailed what happened when he deployed his taser. “When I deployed it, the driver grabs onto the taser itself,” he said.

Dodge asked, “After the driver grabs onto your taser, did he ever let it go?”

Schurr responded that this was the first time someone attempted to take the taser from him.

“At this point, I’m afraid he’s going to get the taser from me and use it on me,” Schurr testified.

He repeatedly stated that he was afraid for his life when he made the decision to shoot.

“If I waited for him to point it at me, it would have been too late,” he explained.

“And what were you fearful of?” Dodge asked.

“That he was going to use it on me and I was going to die,” Schurr said.

Throughout his testimony, Schurr appeared emotional at times, wiping his eyes and quietly sniffling. “I believe if I didn’t do what I did when I did it, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Cross-examination

After a brief court break, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker began cross-examination of Schurr.

Becker asked Schurr if Lyoya was trying to get away.

“That’s what he was doing,” Becker said. “He was trying to get away, wasn’t he?”

“I would say that he was moving his arms in a manner that struck me in an attempt to get away,” Schurr said.

The cross-examination ended with a tense exchange, where Becker points out that Lyoya is dead.

“I felt if I didn’t respond in that at that time, I wouldn’t be here,” Schurr said.

Becker said, “Sure, but he’s (Lyoya) not here, is he?”

“No, he’s not,” said Schurr.

Becker: “I have nothing further.”

Prior coverage: Key moments from day 4 of the trial in the death of Patrick Lyoya


About the Author
Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

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