GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Kent County prosecutor announced a charging decision Thursday afternoon in the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya.
MORE: GRPD Officer Christopher Schurr charged with 2nd-degree murder in shooting death of Patrick Lyoya
Attorney Ven Johnson, who is representing the Lyoya family, says Michigan State Police called Patrick’s father on Wednesday to inform him that Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker planned to announce a charging decision in Patrick’s death Thursday, June 9, at 3 p.m.
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"All you have to do is put yourself in this poor man's position. If it was your loved one, would you want to hear from the prosecutor what the actual answer is? And the answer is 'hell yes.' Pardon my language, but at the very least, Mr. Becker, would you pick up the phone and call me?" said Johnson.
RELATED: GRPD releases new documents related to deadly shooting of Patrick Lyoya
Another telephone conversation will happen with MSP, Attorney Johnson and the Lyoya family to discuss more details. Peter Lyoya, Patrick’s father, said he wanted his attorney to be included in further discussion.
"Call me so we can have a discussion about what the heck is going on. My client will have the ability to share with his family whether charges will be made with this officer that shot and killed his 26-year-old son, by a point-blank shot to the back of the head. I personally think that's only common courtesy, but apparently, Mr. Becker thinks differently and I find that to be tragic and sad," said Johnson.
RELATED: GRPD record of Officer Christopher Schurr reveals two complaints, 14 letters of recognition
Patrick Lyoya was shot in the back of the head by Officer Christopher Schurr on April 4 near Griggs and Nelson on the city's southeast side.
Patrick’s autopsy report shows he was drunk when he was shot in the back of the head by Schurr with a blood alcohol level of .29, more than three times the legal limit.
Blood alcohol levels from .25 to 3 indicate that person is physically and mentally impaired, as are sensory functions, and accidents become highly likely.
Becker received the partial investigative report from Michigan State Police back on April 28 and has been reviewing the report since.
MORE: Kent Co. prosecutor asks for 'continued patience' as he reviews Patrick Lyoya shooting death report
Prior to Becker’s announcement, Grand Rapids Public Schools released a statement encouraging civil discourse and encouraging community members to take care of themselves.
In the statement, GRPS said, “As stated in previous communication, we encourage civil discourse and maintain the importance of leaning into conversations about issues that are real to our scholars, families, and school community--such as race, justice, belonging, and the common good--all of which are present given the events that have unfolded in the last few years and the decision that is expected this afternoon.
“As a Grand Rapids community, we find ourselves in a fishbowl for this nation. We acknowledge that this decision will be triggering, will provoke strong emotions, and will spark controversy. We also wish to acknowledge that we stand with those most closely impacted by these recurring tragedies, especially our communities of color. So, in advance of today’s announcement, we encourage you to take care of yourselves and hold space to process the decision. Reach out to others if you need support. And perhaps most importantly, check on our scholars--your scholars. They are deeply affected even though they may not express it as adults might.”
The Grand Rapids NAACP held a news conference after Becker's announcement, voicing their satisfaction with the filed charged against Schurr and thanking Becker for carefully and diligently reviewing the case.
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