Funeral arrangements are being prepared for Patrick Lyoya.
The 26-year-old, Congolese refugee was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids Police Officer during a traffic stop on April 4th.
The city has seen six straight days of protests since his death.
…Amid the many press conferences and protests…
Patrick Lyoya’s family is making funeral arrangements to lay their first-born son to rest.
Lyoya was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Grand Rapids Police officer during a traffic stop in on April 4th. Video shows Lyoya asking why he was pulled over and an officer requesting his driver’s license. As Lyoya starts to walk away from the officer, a scuffle involving the officer’s taser ensues. At the time of the shooting, Lyoya was face-down on the ground with the officer on his back.
His father Peter said during a press conference, seeing police footage of the incident was heart breaking.
“I see I have no life. I see my heart being broken. I’m asking for justice. I’m asking for Justice for Patrick.”
The funeral will take place on Friday, April 22. American civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton will be delivering the eulogy.
Sharpton announced on twitter he will also be support the family with burial assistance, saying quote:
“I will stand with them in the fight for justice in Patrick’s name.”
Funeral proceedings will take place at 11am at the Renaissance Church of God and Christ in Grand Rapids.