At issue is whether Christopher Schurr was operating in his capacity as a cop when he shot Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop.
Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump claims that kind of “qualified immunity” often allows officers to kill Black people with impunity.
“That's why we have to fight so hard to get simple justice even though our eyes see the truth”
Crump – along with attorney Ven Johnson - have two affidavits from former officers who say Schurr repeatedly violated his training during the traffic stop with Lyoya. The attorneys argue that means Schurr – and the city of Grand Rapids – are liable for Lyoya’s death.
The process of ruling on qualified immunity – and the likely subsequent appeals – could take years to settle.