Grand Rapids NAACP releases demands for investigation into shooting of Patrick Lyoya

Grand Rapids NAACP releases demands for investigation into shooting of Patrick Lyoya

The Greater Grand Rapids Branch of the NAACP held a news conference Tuesday in Grand Rapids releasing a list of demands in the Patrick Lyoya investigation. (WWMT){p}{/p}

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WWMT) – Greater Grand Rapids NAACP put out a list of demands Tuesday for the investigation into the police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya.

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During a news conference, Cle Jackson, president of the NAACP branch, called for Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker to recuse himself from the investigation to decide whether OfficerChristopher Schurr should be charged.

“We believe and agree that based on the historical relationship between the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office and the Grand Rapids Police Department that a fair and unbiased investigation cannot occur," said Jackson.

“It’s no indictment on you. it’s the right thing to do," Jackson later added . "That’s it. It’s no indictment. We’re not saying this office is not qualified, that they couldn’t handle a case like this. But it’s the right thing to do because you’re too close to it."

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Becker issued a statement in response to the NAACP, saying he will not recuse himself because there is no conflict of interest.

"Because I do not know Officer Christopher Schurr, nor did I know Patrick Lyoya, the legal standard for recusal has not been met," said Becker. "I will continue to follow the law regarding this investigation, and I will wait for the report from the Michigan State Police, to review the case in light of the law and the facts."

Jackson requested that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel take over the case. He said he is hopeful that a meeting with Nessel could occur sometime this week.

The Department of Attorney General would make itself available should Becker determine the need, Nessel said in a statement on April 13.

"I have every expectation that the Grand Rapids Police Department will fully cooperate with the Michigan State Police in their investigation and that the local prosecutor will perform a thorough analysis of the facts of law that apply in this case," said Nessel.

In addition to Jackson, various community leaders also endorsed the request for Nessel to take over the investigation.

“Some of us, and myself included, believe this is even more egregious than what happened in Minneapolis, and what happened with their AG out there, how Keith Ellison, how he stepped in and understanding the egregious nature of the situation and how the time calls for him to step in. So that’s what we’re asking for," saidEric Brown of Urban League of West Michigan.

Furthermore, Greater Grand Rapids NAACP demanded that Schurr, who is on administrative leave, loses his job.

"We are demanding that Chief Winstrom terminate Officer Christopher Schurr immediately and start the decertification process that will not allow him to ever serve as a police officer in the state of Michigan," said Jackson.

The list of demands came just one day after the Grand Rapids Police Department released Schurr's name to the public.Winstrom said they will also be releasing documents under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the incident.

Michigan State Police is handling the investigation that is still ongoing. Once complete, it will be sent to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office for review.

“We fully understand that the investigation needs to be thorough and it needs to be intentional, said Jackson. "But can we get an update from the Michigan State Police department or from the Grand Rapids Police Department?”

Although a Michigan State Police spokesperson said there is no timeline on when the investigation will be complete, Becker said he expects to begin reviewing the case this week.

"As always, the Department of Attorney General is available to provide assistance to the county prosecutor, in the event Mr. Becker determines the expertise of my department is warranted," Nessel said.

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Protesters again returned to the streets of Grand Rapids after the NAACP news conference Tuesday. They marched to City Hall to voice their frustrations during a City Commission meeting.

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