Grand Rapids, Michigan. (AP) – A Michigan judge declined Friday to dismiss a second-degree murder charge against a former Grand Rapids police officer who was shot after shooting a black motorist in the back of the head. was killed. ,
Christopher Schur is set for trial on March 13 in the case of the shooting death of Patrick Loya last April. Circuit Judge Christina Elmore denied defense attorneys’ motion to dismiss the case.
Schur’s attorneys argued that he acted in self-defense and that Michigan law allows police officers to use deadly force to stop someone from fleeing and make an arrest. Video recordings showed Schur spreading Loya’s body across his legs while the Congolese refugee lay face down beneath him.
Prosecutors said the district court did not abuse its discretion in finding probable cause to proceed to trial. A judge at a preliminary hearing found sufficient evidence that a jury could conclude that Schur did not reasonably believe that his life was in immediate danger.
Schur was fired last June after taking months of paid leave. He spent one night in jail, then posted bond.
Attorneys for Loya’s family have filed a separate civil lawsuit against Schur and the city of Grand Rapids.
