Michigan honor roll student, 17, shot dead by 14- and 13-year-olds while trying to carjack after offering them a ride in sub-zero temperatures – teens will be tried as adults
- Jack Snyder was found lying next to his car around 12:10 am on January 17th
- A 14-year-old and a 13-year-old tried to ambush him and then shot him dead
- Both teenagers are expected to face charges as adults
A 17-year-old honors student was killed by a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old after offering the suspects a ride home from a birthday party.
According to police, Jack Snyder was found lying next to his car in Battle Creek, Michigan, on the morning of January 17 at around 12:10 am after being shot after an attempted car theft.
EMTs and medical staff attempted to revive the 17-year-old in sub-zero temperatures, but Snyder was pronounced dead at the scene.
On the 19th, Justice Chimner, a 14-year-old boy, was arrested while a 13-year-old turned himself in in connection with the murder.
Police recovered a gun at the scene but could not say which boy fired.
A 17-year-old honors student was killed by a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old after offering the suspects a ride home from a birthday party
Battle Creek Police Sergeant Jeff Case said in a news conference earlier this week that Snyder’s desire to help resulted in his death.
“The victim tried to be a good Samaritan by taking her with him in the cold temperatures. I know he opposed the carjacking. So he tried to help again, but he just didn’t want to give the car away,” Case said.
Chimner was charged on Friday with felony murder, carjacking and two weapons-related violations, according to Fox 17. He will be charged as an adult and faces a maximum sentence of life without parole.
The 13-year-old who surrendered has already been charged with murder.
The suspects had no known connection to Snyder. Case said they “have dealt with them before” but would not confirm any criminal history.
According to WOOD-TV, Snyder’s family commended local authorities “for resolving this quickly.”
Teachers held a vigil in Snyder’s honor earlier this week.
A funeral was held the previous Friday for Snyder, who his obituary described as a “round student athlete” who played varsity soccer.
Snyder was a member of the school’s National Honor Society and enrolled in an EMT program through a local community college
Jack Snyder (center) was found lying next to his car in Battle Creek, Michigan, on the morning of January 17 at around 12:10 a.m. after he was shot following an attempted car theft, police say
Teachers held a vigil in Snyder’s honor earlier this week
Snyder was a member of the school’s National Honor Society and enrolled in an EMT program through a local community college.
“Jack had a zest for life and made the world a better place with his care and love for everyone. He loved spending time with his family and friends.”
“On behalf of my family and I, we would like to thank every single person who reached out and visited us,” his sister Meadow wrote in a Facebook post.
“I’ve heard from people I haven’t seen or heard from in years and it shows how much support we have through this never-ending nightmare. My brother was 17. He was due to graduate this year and these monsters were stealing his future. He was the smartest of us all. He was going to leave this shitty place. He had the biggest heart, he cared so much about others.”
Other. They took our brother away from us. It doesn’t seem real, it’s all fake news. I miss him so much.
Several hashtags, including #JusticeforJack, and a football tournament have been planned in his honor, with proceeds going to the family.