The Urban League of West Michigan calls on the Kent County Prosecutor to swiftly retry the
murder case against former officer Christopher Schurr without delay.

On April 4, 2022, our community experienced a tragedy that forever changed the lives of the Lyoya family, the Grand Rapids Police Department, and the collective spirit of Grand Rapids. That day became a defining moment—testing our values, our institutions, and our commitment to justice.

The recent mistrial in the case of former police officer Christopher Schurr has laid bare a deep
and painful divide in our community. This fissure runs through the very foundation of a city
striving to become a place where all people, regardless of race, background, or circumstance, can
truly thrive.

For those who have long carried the burden of a criminal justice system that too often fails to
serve them, this mistrial is a devastating reminder of that reality. It represents not just a legal
failure but a profound moral one. Communities repeatedly asked to place their trust in the system
are once again left reeling—disillusioned, hurt, and retraumatized.

This is a grave injustice the Lyoya family must now bear—not only today, but for the rest of
their lives. It is a wound that also marks the conscience of every Grand Rapidian who believes in
the promise of justice. Until every system—education, health, housing, economic, and criminal
justice—works for all, our community cannot and will not thrive.

Let us not forget the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to
justice everywhere.” An injustice to one is, indeed, an injustice to all.

The Urban League of West Michigan calls on the Kent County Prosecutor to swiftly retry the
murder case against former officer Christopher Schurr without delay. Additionally, we invite the
City of Grand Rapids Office of Oversight and Public Accountability (OPA) to an immediate and
transparent dialogue with us and the broader community. This conversation should focus on a
thorough examination of the training, policies, practices, and procedures currently in place
within the Grand Rapids Police Department – particularly in instances where these actions result
in a loss of life.

Our city’s future depends on the courage to confront hard truths and the will to make meaningful
changes. Justice delayed is justice denied—not just for one family, but for all of us.