Patrick Lyoya died instantaneously earlier this month after he was shot in the back of the head by a police officer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, according to an independent autopsy.
Dr. Werner Spitz, who was engaged by the legal team defending Lyoya's family, led by attorney Ben Crump, performed the autopsy. "[Lyoya] was aware and knew that a firearm was being held to the back of his head. When the gun went off, death was quick," according to the report.
Autopsy: Patrick Lyoya Was Shot in Head
The Kent County medical examiner's autopsy and toxicology results have yet to be released. According to Crump, Spitz has worked on a number of high-profile cases, including the murder of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 4, Lyoya was stopped for a driving violation. The Grand Rapids Police Department released four videos last week, including one from a dashcam and another from a cellphone, showing Lyoya and the officer grappling on the ground, with Lyoya attempting to grab possession of the officer's stun gun.
Lyoya was eventually restrained with his knee to his back by the police, who then shot him while he was face down on the ground, NBC News reported.
Lyoya's killing has angered his family and many others who have seen footage of the officer-involved shooting. During a traffic stop, the officer, whose identity has not been revealed, was overheard saying that the license plate on the automobile didn't match. Per CBS News, Lyoya refused to get back into the car as requested, resulting in a brief foot pursuit.
Crump described it as a "classic case" of racial profiling - "driving while Black," noting that the officer's patrol vehicle footage shows him backing out of a garage in a private area and following the car for a few yards. License plates are not required to be displayed on the front of automobiles in Michigan.
Lyoya was "resisting," not fighting, the police, according to attorney Ven Johnson. State police will report their findings to the Kent County prosecutor, who will decide whether or not to file charges. Lyoya's funeral is set on Friday at Grand Rapids' Renaissance Church of God in Christ. The National Action Network, led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, has pledged to assist cover the costs. He'll give the eulogy.
Suspect's Identity Won't Be Released Until Charges Filed
Lyoya might have lived until his early 80s and had a "long and successful life," according to Crump. A lawsuit has yet to be filed, though Johnson hinted that one was in the works, as per CTV News.
Crump has been engaged in multimillion-dollar settlements between cities and the families of Black individuals slain by police in the United States. His legal team has claimed that the high-stakes bargains should motivate police departments to reform their policies and increase public accountability.
The officer's patrol car is seen backing out of a house in a quiet area to follow the car for a few streets, according to video supplied by the Grand Rapids Police Department. Crump said it looked to be an instance of racial profiling - "driving while Black."
License plates are not required to be displayed on the front of vehicles in Michigan. Jennifer Kalczuk, a police spokesperson, declined to comment. Johnson reiterated his demand that the officer's name be made public, despite the fact that he knows who he is.
The identity will not be released until charges are filed, according to Police Chief Eric Winstrom. State police will present their findings to Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker, who will decide whether or not to press charges. He has warned the people not to hold their breath for a quick conclusion.
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