The shooting of Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop has raised questions about the use of lethal force by police. The incident has led to protests.
Patrick Lyoya was a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was recently shot by an officer of the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Following a traffic stop on April 4, 2022, Lyoya and an officer got into a fight. Unfortunately, the young man had to lose his life after being shot.
Lyoya’s funeral arrangement is set to happen on Friday, April 22, 2022, at the Renaissance Church of God. But first, let’s take a closer look at the incident.
Who Was Patrick Lyoya? Man killed After Struggle In Grand Rapids
Patrick Lyoya was 26 years old at the time of his death. He was an African-American, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lyoya was a motorist who was stopped near the intersection of Griggs and Nelson. A passenger was also in his vehicle at the time.
He was then repeatedly questioned by a white police officer over a suspected licence plate violation. Hearing this, Lyoya seemed confused and tried to run, and was ultimately shot in his head.
On Sunday, April 17, 2022, protestors had gathered at the Grand Rapids calling for justice for Patrick and his family.
His grieving father, Peter Lyoya has stated: “What is making me cry more is to see my son killed by a police officer for a small, small mistake, My life has come to an end.”
Patrick’s mother, on the other hand, claimed she is “very hurt and wounded” and can’t stop crying.
The Lyoya’s had moved to the United States Of America in 2014. Patrick also has two children of his own, he worked in the auto parts factory for a living.
Autopsy Proves Patrick Lyoya Was Killed By A Single Gun Shot Wound
The updated autopsy report of Patrick Lyoya died from a single gunshot wound. The bullet had entered the back of his skull near the midline.
According to Dr. Werner Spitz’s findings, the bullet had traveled up and to the right side of Loya’s skull. It had lodged near his right temporal bone.
The forensic pathologist reports had also suggested that Patrick had a normal life expectancy.
The officer’s taser and gun were the only two weapons found at the scene of the event. Meanwhile, the name of the officer from the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) has not been named.
However, the officer will be fired and faces criminal charges, as stated on BBC news. Furthermore, the Michigan State Police are still investigating the shooting.
Video Of Fatal Patrick Lyoya Released Online
The shooting video of Patrick Lyoya has been released on the platforms like Reddit and Twitter.
According to the footage, a Grand Rapids officer stops Patrick Lyoya and begins to interrogate them over his car registration.
Then, Patrick Lyoya who seemed confused is seen running from the officer following a traffic stop. His hand can be seen gripping and fending off an electric stun gun at one point.
Meanwhile, the officer is heard telling Lyoya to “let go” of his Taser. After a minute, the black man was shot as he is seen lying on the ground.
Attorney Ben Crump has said: “This independent autopsy report confirms what we all witnessed in the horrifying video footage,”
“Unarmed Patrick Lyoya was conscious until the bullet entered his head, instantly ending what could have been a long and fruitful life.”