A first-term state representative from Garden City is pushing for legislation that would prevent police officers from using deceptive tactics to solicit confessions from kids, which is legal in Michigan.
City leaders say policing reforms and outreach to Grand Rapids' Black community, including the clergy, helped to keep the peace after Lyoya's slaying. Others believe the reform efforts have been slow and their impact superficial at best.
A Michigan judge on Friday refused to dismiss a second-degree murder charge against a former Grand Rapids police officer who was fired after shooting a Black motorist in the back of the head during a struggle over a Taser.
Senate Appropriations Committee Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) said her colleagues plan to reintroduce measures to address police brutality, no-knock warrants and other matters such as funding for training.
The April 4 killing was recorded by a bystander and video shows Lyoya was on the ground when he was killed. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said Officer Christopher Schurr acted unreasonably when he shot Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop.
“Michiganders deserve unbiased policing, transparency, and accountability from their state police, and that’s what they’re going to get,” said MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper.
A Springfield father was arrested in front of his children while collecting signatures to form a tenants' association. “It was very traumatizing," he said.