GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The upcoming trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, charged with the second-degree murder of Patrick Lyoya, is set to begin later this month, and significant developments have emerged in the case. Schurr’s defense team is considering putting the former officer on the witness stand, a move that could play a key role in determining the outcome of the trial.
Schurr, who shot and killed Lyoya during a traffic stop more than three years ago, is facing charges of second-degree murder. The prosecution contends that Schurr’s use of deadly force was unjustified, arguing that he did not act reasonably under the circumstances. On the other hand, Schurr’s defense asserts that the officer acted in self-defense, believing that his life was in imminent danger at the time of the shooting.
Matthew Borgula, Schurr’s lead defense attorney, addressed the issue of whether his client would testify in his own defense. Borgula emphasized that the case hinges on whether Schurr acted reasonably when he believed his life was at risk. “It’s really a self-defense case; it’s not a whodunit,” Borgula explained. “Anybody who’s seen the video knows generally what occurred. The question is going to be whether Officer Schurr acted reasonably when he believed he was in fear of great bodily harm or death.”
Borgula went on to state that, while Schurr has a right not to testify, in most self-defense cases, defendants typically take the stand to tell their side of the story. “He’ll be prepared to testify if we think it’s appropriate,” Borgula said.
The trial, which is set to begin on April 28, will center on the key question of whether Schurr’s actions were reasonable given the circumstances of the encounter. The defense argues that Schurr was in fear for his life when Lyoya allegedly disarmed him of his Taser during the confrontation. This element of the case is expected to be a focal point for both the defense and the prosecution.
A significant point of contention in the case has been the role of expert witnesses and whether the jury should be allowed to see a live demonstration of a Taser’s effects. The defense had hoped to demonstrate the dangers of being tased in front of the jury, arguing that it would help illustrate the fear Schurr experienced in the moment. However, Kent County Circuit Court Judge Christina Mims ruled against allowing the live demonstration, citing safety concerns. “I’m denying that motion because it’s not safe, just like I wouldn’t allow someone to come in and shoot someone in the shoulder to demonstrate that they can survive that wound,” Judge Mims explained.
In lieu of the live demonstration, Borgula indicated that the defense will use other methods to convey the danger of being tased. This could include video evidence showing the effects of being tased, as well as testimony from individuals who have experienced it firsthand. The goal, Borgula said, is to provide the jury with a clear understanding of the physical and psychological effects of being tased, reinforcing the argument that Schurr acted out of fear for his life.
As jury selection is set to begin next week, the trial promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the death of Patrick Lyoya. The outcome of the trial will depend heavily on how the jury interprets Schurr’s actions in the context of self-defense, and whether they agree with the defense’s assertion that Schurr’s fear was reasonable under the circumstances.
The case is expected to attract significant public attention, as it touches on broader issues of law enforcement use of force and the rights of officers in high-stress situations. As the trial unfolds, both sides will work to convince the jury of their respective positions, making this a case to watch in the coming weeks.
