GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Peter Lyoya says a murder conviction against former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr is the only way to bring justice for his son. Lyoya’s son, 26-year-old Black immigrant Patrick Lyoya, was shot and killed three years ago by Schurr during a traffic stop and struggle. The trial now looms, with jury selection set for Tuesday. Related: Former Grand Rapids officer’s state of mind, not Patrick Lyoya’s, focus of murder trial But who was Patrick Lyoya? The answer involves a complicated picture that includes aspirations to achieve and excel as a means to help support his family, but also brushes with the law for domestic violence and impaired driving. Patrick Lyoya immigrated to the United States in 2014 with his mother, father and five siblings after escaping war and unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He lived in a refugee camp in Malawi, near Tanzania, as a boy and into his teen years. Once settled in Michigan, he attended Everett High School in Lansing before moving to Grand Rapids. Before his death, he was working at an auto parts manufacturer in the Grand Rapids area. Lyoya seemed to recognize the cultural importance of his role as the family’s first-born son. In a 2020 Facebook post, the responsibility seemed to weigh on him. Related: For more MLive coverage of the murder case, go here “I’m the first son and I usually (mess) it up but this year I’m trying pop,” he wrote. On April 4, 2022, Lyoya was driving through a southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood when then-Officer Schurr made a traffic stop for an improper plate. Lyoya tried to flee on foot, but Schurr caught up with him and a struggle ensued after Schurr tried to use his Taser. After the two wrangled for a lengthy period, Schurr was on top of Lyoya and yelled “Drop the Taser” before drawing his handgun and shooting Lyoya in the back of the head. In Lyoya’s obituary, family described him as follows: “Patrick was a warm and loving person who would do anything for his family and friends.” They said he liked dancing, playing and watching soccer and was known as the “family jokester.” At Lyoya’s funeral, people packed a 1,000-seat church sanctuary and listened as the Rev. Al Sharpton and other high-profile speakers demanded justice. As an immigrant, Lyoya’s transition to American life wasn’t always smooth. Lyoya had three convictions for operating while intoxicated, as well as unlawful use of a motor vehicle, domestic violence and driving while license suspended or revoked. When he was killed, he had a pending domestic violence charge involving a woman described by police as his girlfriend and mother of his youngest child. But in a recent interview, Lyoya’s father, Peter Lyoya, said his son hoped to improve his life. “His desire was to continue with school. He wanted to attend Grand Rapids Community College,” Peter Lyoya said. He described his son as a family man. “Every Friday when he got paid, he would make sure he called his siblings and ask them what they want. He would buy then stuff and he would come spend time with us,” Peter Lyoya said. Patrick Lyoya helped support the family financially, he said. “We have a big hole in the family with the loss of Patrick,” he said. Schurr is charged with second-degree murder and jury selection is set to begin Tuesday, April 22, with testimony beginning April 28. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.