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Community Unites for Justice Following Mistrial in Police Shooting Case

Residents of Grand Rapids voicing their concerns during a listening session organized by local organizations.

News Summary

A recent listening session organized by the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP highlighted community frustration following a mistrial in the police shooting of Patrick Lyoya. Attendees voiced concerns about systemic injustices and called for accountability in law enforcement. NAACP President Cle Jackson criticized the justice system, while local leaders reiterated the need for reform. The conversation reflected the widespread desire for transformative changes in policing and legal processes, aiming to ensure justice for victims of police misconduct.

Grand Rapids, MI—Dozens of community members attended a listening session on May 14, 2025, organized by the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP in partnership with the Urban League of West Michigan. The event, titled “Justice Delayed Is Still Justice Denied,” was held in the wake of significant frustration and anger surrounding the ongoing legal ramifications of the 2022 death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black motorist shot by a former police officer during a traffic stop.

Patrick Lyoya was shot in the back of the head by Christopher Schurr, a white officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department, on April 4, 2022. Schurr was charged with second-degree murder for the shooting, but on May 8, 2025, the trial resulted in a mistrial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This outcome sparked widespread outrage within the community and renewed calls for a retrial.

At the listening session, NAACP President Cle Jackson highlighted systemic issues within the police system, describing it as “inherently evil.” He criticized the justifications provided for the shooting, emphasizing the need for accountability in law enforcement, particularly when young lives such as Lyoya’s are lost under such circumstances. Members of the community voiced their concerns, underscoring the urgency for a transparent and just legal process.

Eric Brown, president of the Urban League of West Michigan, reiterated the importance of accountability in policing. He committed to advocating for victims of police misconduct, reinforcing a collective determination within the community to seek justice and demand changes to policing practices.

Legal experts present at the event, including civil attorney Steven Drew, spoke about the complexities of pursuing justice against police departments. Drew pointed out the challenges related to the “blue code,” which often protects officers involved in controversial actions. He noted that during Schurr’s trial, there were multiple requests for a mistrial from the defense, yet those motions were denied prior to the final declaration of mistrial due to the jury’s deadlock.

Concerns regarding justice were not just limited to the Lyoya case. Fridah Kay, the founder of an organization supporting immigrants and refugees, shed light on the broader struggles these groups face in seeking justice. This sentiment was echoed by Lamar Fourcha, a Grand Rapids resident who recounted his own experience of police brutality, which resulted in significant personal and professional loss.

Community member Jocelyn Robinson, 76, urged her fellow attendees to remain vigilant in their fight against what she perceives as police impunity. Her call to action resonated with many who shared similar frustrations about how cases of police violence are handled within the legal system.

In response to community concerns, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom outlined the department’s efforts to implement various reforms over the past three years, including policy changes, enhanced training, and cultural adjustments designed to improve police-community relations. Despite these initiatives, many community members expressed ongoing apprehension regarding police conduct and the legal system’s approach to cases involving law enforcement.

Overall, the event provided a crucial platform for residents, community leaders, and legal professionals to come together and voice their concerns about police violence and systemic injustice. The collective sentiment called for deeper accountability measures and a more equitable legal process for victims of police misconduct, reflecting a significant desire for transformative changes in the justice system.