Dr. Werner Spitz confirmed the video footage last week: Lyoya was filmed in the back of her head while lying facedown on the ground by a Grand Rapids officer during a fierce struggle on April 4.
Spitz was present at a news conference along with Lyoya’s lawyers. They stated that video taken by police showed that Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese refugee, was resisting the officer and not fighting him.
Ven Johnson stated, “You never see an arm, you never see the hand, you never see a glove, you never see a baseball bat, no gun or no weapon, and so on.” This was not a scenario of deadly force. Never issued a warning, ‘Halt or me’ or any other words we can all think of.
Spitz stated that he believed the gun was used against Lyoya’s head by the officer firing, based upon the condition of the bone in his head.
“There is no doubt what killed this young man. … Spitz held a skull to show the point where the bullet entered his head.
Spitz performed the autopsy at a funeral home last weekend. Spitz, a 95-year-old forensic pathologist, participated in the assassination investigation of President John F. Kennedy Jr. and Martin Luther King Jr. among other high-profile cases.
Attorney Ben Crump stated that “we can confirm that Patrick Lyoya had been shot in the back his head.” “This is scientific evidence that Patrick Lyoya was shot in the back of his head,” attorney Ben Crump stated.
The state police investigation includes the official autopsy report, which has not been made public.
Lyoya’s death has angered his family and many others who have viewed video footage of the confrontation with an officers.
Crump stated that Lyoya could live until his 80s, a “long and fruitful existence.” Johnson indicated that a lawsuit was being considered.
Crump was involved in multimillion dollar settlements between U.S. Cities and the families of Black men who were killed by police. His legal team argued that these deals should encourage police departments to improve accountability and change their practices.
Lyoya was not armed and was killed following a Grand Rapids traffic stop in western Michigan. He was being pushed by the officer and can be heard demanding that he remove his Taser.
An officer is heard earlier saying that Lyoya’s license plate did not match her car. Lyoya refused to get back in the car as ordered and there was a brief foot chase.
Crump stated that it was a case of “driving while Black” — racial profiling. Grand Rapids Police Department released video showing Crump’s officer backing out of a driveway to follow Crump for a few blocks. Michigan license plates don’t appear on vehicles’ fronts.
Jennifer Kalczuk, a spokesperson for the police, declined to comment.
Johnson reiterated his request for police to release the name of the officer, but he said that he does not know the identity. Eric Winstrom, Chief of Police, said that he will not release the name unless there are charges.
Johnson stated, “If our client shot the officer in the back head, you would know his identity the same day.”
The state police will present their findings to Chris Becker, Kent County prosecutor, for consideration of any charges. He advised the public not to expect a speedy decision.
Lyoya will be laid to rest Friday at the Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids. The Rev. The Rev. Al Sharpton of the National Action Network stated that it would help to cover the cost. He will deliver a eulogy.
