Michigan judge refuses to dismiss murder charge of former officer who shot black motorist

On Friday, a Michigan judge refused to drop a second-degree murder charge against a former Grand Rapids cop who was fired after he shot a black motorist in the back of the head during a struggle over a taser.

The trial of Christopher Schurr is scheduled for March 13 in the case of the shooting of Patrick Leuille in April last year. District Judge Christina Elmore denied defense attorneys’ motion to dismiss the case.

Schurr’s lawyers argued that he acted in self-defense and that Michigan law allows police officers to use deadly force to stop a run and make an arrest. Video footage showed Schurr sitting astride Leya’s body, with the Congolese refugee lying face down below him.

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The prosecutor’s office stated that the district court did not abuse its powers when looking for a probable reason for starting the trial. The judge at the preliminary hearing found sufficient evidence that the jury could conclude that Schurr did not reasonably believe that his life was in immediate danger.

Former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr appears at a court hearing in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 26, 2022. On Monday, January 9, 2023, Schurr’s lawyers asked the judge to dismiss the case. The judge denied the motion.
(Corey Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP, file))

Schurr was fired last June after spending several months on paid leave. He spent one night in jail, then posted bail.

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Lawyers for the Leyi family filed a separate civil lawsuit against Schurr and the city of Grand Rapids.