Update: Friday, June 10, 2022, 8:01 p.m.:
A Michigan prosecutor who charged a police officer with murder in the shooting of Patrick Lyoya is being praised by some of his early critics.
Black activists in April wanted Chris Becker to give the investigation to the Michigan attorney general, saying the Kent County prosecutor was too close to police. Becker didn't give up the investigation.
He charged Grand Rapids Officer Christopher Schurr with second-degree murder.
Cle Jackson of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP says he's "absolutely shocked" by the decision. Jackson says he's thankful. In some states, attorneys general have stepped in to handle police shootings instead of a local prosecutor.
Meanwhile, Schurr appeared in court Friday and was released from jail on $100,000 bond. A not-guilty plea was entered.
Original post: Friday, June 10, 2022, 3:50 p.m. :
A Kent County judge has set a $100,000 bond for a Grand Rapids police officer charged with second-degree murder.
Officer Christopher Schurr is charged in the death of Patrick Lyoya.
Lyoya was on the ground when Schurr shot him in the back of the head following a traffic stop and a struggle on April 4. Schurr is white. Lyoya was Black.
In court Friday, livestreamed by WOOD TV-8, defense attorney Mark Dodge requested a low bond. He claimed Schurr is not guilty of a crime.
“The defense submits that Officer Schurr on this charge was justified in his use of force in this episode and is not guilty.”
The judge on Friday also entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of Schurr. Schurr is due back in court on June 21.
