Patrick Lyoya Shot In Back Of Head By Cop, Independent Autopsy Finds

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was fatally shot by a white Grand Rapids police officer as he lay facedown on the ground following a traffic stop and ensuing struggle, was shot in the back of the head, an independent autopsy found.

While an official autopsy hasn't been released to the public, lawyers for Lyoya's family announced the findings of an independent autopsy Tuesday, which were determined by Dr. Werner Spitz, a 95-year-old former Detroit-area medical examiner who has worked on big cases such as John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., O.J. Simpson, the “Night Stalker," Richard Ramirez, and JonBenet Ramsey.

The findings come after police released four videos of the deadly shooting.

Police have said an officer's gun fired on the morning of April 4 during a lengthy struggle, killing Lyoya. The department released police body camera, dashcam, cell phone, and home surveillance system footage.

Bystander video recorded near the struggle captured both a stun gun discharge and the shooting. The officer can be seen struggling with Lyoya and yelling, "Let go of the Taser!" After yelling, "Drop the Taser" one last time, the officer, still on top of him, shoots Lyoya in the head as he lies facedown in a resident's yard.

"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," attorney Ben Crump said, according to The Associated Press.

The officer says during the traffic stop that the license plate didn't match the car Lyoya was driving. Lyoya got out of the car shortly after being stopped and refused commands to get back in the vehicle. A short foot chase ensued, followed by the struggle.

Police Chief Eric Winstrom has said police will not identify the officer's name unless he's charged with a crime. Michigan State Police are still investigating the shooting and whether it was in accordance with the department's use-of-force policy, he said. The stun gun was twice deployed, but didn't contact Lyoya, instead striking the ground, the police chief said. The struggle over the Taser lasted about 90 seconds.

Michigan State Police will give their findings to Kent County prosecutors for consideration of charges.

Lyoya's funeral is planned Friday at Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids. The Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver a eulogy.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.