Jurors resumed deliberations Wednesday in the Schurr Trial, the case against a former Grand Rapids police officer charged in a 2022 fatal shooting. The jury notified the judge on Tuesday they were deadlocked but were instructed to continue their work.
GRPD Officer Christopher Schurr faces a charge of Second-Degree Murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya. The charge stems from an April 2022 traffic stop that led to a struggle over Schurr's Taser.
The jury began deliberating after a week of testimony in Kent County Circuit Court. On Tuesday, the panel told Judge Christina Mims they did not believe they could reach a verdict.
Judge Christina Mims ordered the jurors to keep deliberating. Such an instruction is standard practice when a jury reports an impasse. Deliberations continued Wednesday morning.
Outside the courthouse, supporters of Patrick Lyoya and supporters of the former officer gathered. Officers on bicycles arrived near the courthouse Wednesday morning amid yelling from demonstrators. Courthouse demonstrators were present Tuesday as well.
Andrica Cage, the mother of Samuel Sterling, was among those demonstrating Tuesday. Sterling died after being struck by a state police vehicle in an unrelated April 2024 incident. Cage stated she attended to support the Lyoya family.
Tense interactions occurred between the two groups of demonstrators on Tuesday. Police utilized powder spray during one point to keep one group back while they took a woman into custody following a reported fight. Protest clashes have occurred near the court.
Some observers stated emotions ran high among those gathered outside.
Regarding the events leading to the charge, Cathleen Walsh with the ”Back the Blue" organization offered her perspective Tuesday.
“I am heartbroken for what happened to Patrick. But I also feel for Officer Schurr. I truly do feel he felt he was in a fight for his life.”
