4/19/22 - Attorney's Release Private Autopsy of Patrick Lyoya

Family of Patrick Lyoya asked for a private autopsy, apart from one being conducted by the Kent County Medical Examiner. The ME's report is not expected to be released until an investigation by the Michigan State Police has concluded.

A private autopsy on the body of Patrick Lyoya demonstrates he died instantly following a gunshot wound to his head.

That according to forensic pathologist Dr. Werner Spitz, who confirmed Lyoya was on the ground, lying face down when he was shot and killed.  Spitz was able to conduct an examination of the body following Lyoya's death earlier this month.  His  findings do not show any other wounds to his body, despite video evidence of a struggle with a Grand Rapids police officer.  Those images were caught on multiple cameras that were on during the traffic stop.

Spitz says evidence shows the weapon was placed against Lyoya's head before the fatal round was fired.  He says the bullet entered the back of the skull and traveled through his brain, killing him instantly.

Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Lyoya family, believes the evidence shows Lyoya was 'executed' and did not deserve to be killed over a traffic stop.

The Kent County Medical Examiner has also conducted an autopsy but is waiting for toxicology reports before handing off information to the Michigan State Police.