TRAVERSE CITY, Mich,. (WPBN/WGTU) — A court appearance Tuesday revealed new information about what happened in a deadly weekend shooting.
The suspects, 17-year-old Eugene Thompson and 18-year-old Hunter Vanderwall, appeared virtually from the Grand Traverse County Jail in 86th District Court and were arraigned on several numerous felony charges, including murder.
The arraignments began with a statement from Defense Counsel, Paul Jarboe, giving condolences to the family of Lawrence Boyd, the Traverse City Parking Services employee who was shot and killed.
“What occurred is an unspeakable tragedy,” said Jarboe. “A number of lives have been destroyed by what apparently happened just two blocks away from the courthouse.”
Thompson is accused of killing Boyd and trying to kill a Traverse City police officer Saturday night.
One of our UpNorthLive viewers, who found himself in the middle of the shelter in place order, shared video with us of how things played out that night. The video showed state police bringing a handcuffed Thompson to a Traverse City Police Department vehicle.
There’s not a whole lot left to doubt about what occurred.
Kyle Attwood, the chief assistant prosecuting attorney, said the murder of Boyd and attempted murder of an officer were both captured on camera.
“The defendant can be seen going back while the victim is dying to pick up his vape which he then takes a couple of hits off of and moves on,” described Attwood. “And then after that, the two co-defendants continue to engage in the breaking and entering of motor vehicles. Clearly not deterred by what had occurred, clearly not shaken up enough to leave the larcenies behind. They keep going like nothing had happened. So, that to me shows a callous indifference or heartlessness that shocks the conscience.”
During Thompson’s arraignment, Magistrate Tammi Rogers asked, “Are you attending school? Are you working?”
“Not anymore, ma’am,” replied Thompson.
Thompson pled not guilty to his seven charges. Including:
Homicide- First Degree Murder
Homicide- Attempted Murder
Possession of a stolen firearm
Carrying a concealed weapon
Carrying or possessing a firearm when committing or attempting to commit a felony
Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer
Stealing from a vehicle
“The best place for Mr. Thompson at this point is behind bars,” said Attwood.
18-year-old Hunter Vanderwall was also arraigned Tuesday on a felony murder charge, resisting and obstructing a police officer and stealing from a vehicle.
“This defendant was the one holding the bag, literally, of stolen property. So, he was in for a penny and for a pound. He was very much a part of this conspiracy,” said Attwood. “This defendant was not the individual who pulled the trigger, but he was very much an active participant in what went on.”
Vanderwall told Magistrate Rodgers, he’s a student at Traverse City Central High School.
“He has no adult criminal history. He lives with his parents here in our community,” said Jarboe.
Both Thompson and Vanderwall were denied bond.
“Obviously, these two individuals were willing to murder a law enforcement official to escape justice. So again, no conditions can assure that the community would be safe,” said Attwood.
UpNorthLive also has video of a third man being arrested. Traverse City Police told UpNorthLive that after Thompson shot at officers, he ran to a hotel room where he knew people inside. That’s where officers said they found a woman they briefly detained and a man violating his probation, who was later arrested.
