Teen Suspects Arraigned as Investigators Outline Events in Weekend Shooting
A court hearing in Traverse City provided new details Tuesday about the events surrounding a fatal shooting that occurred over the weekend. Two suspects, 17-year-old Eugene Thompson and 18-year-old Hunter Vanderwall, appeared virtually from the Grand Traverse County Jail as they faced multiple felony charges, including murder.
The arraignment opened with remarks from defense attorney Paul Jarboe, who offered condolences to the family of Lawrence Boyd, the Traverse City Parking Services employee who lost his life. Jarboe described the incident as a tragedy that deeply affected many people within the community.
Thompson is accused of fatally injuring Boyd and attempting to harm a Traverse City police officer on Saturday night. Video shared with UpNorthLive by a viewer who was nearby during a shelter-in-place order showed state police escorting Thompson to a patrol vehicle.
Prosecutors said that key moments of the incident were captured on camera, including actions immediately following the shooting. Kyle Attwood, the chief assistant prosecuting attorney, noted that the footage provides significant information about what occurred and expressed concern about the suspects’ behavior afterward.
During the arraignment, Thompson was asked about school and employment and responded that he was no longer attending or working. He entered a not-guilty plea to seven charges, which include first-degree murder, attempted murder, weapon-related offenses, resisting police, and theft from a vehicle. Prosecutors argued that continued detention was necessary for community safety.
Vanderwall was also arraigned on charges that include felony murder, resisting law enforcement, and theft from a vehicle. Prosecutors said he played a role in the events, though he was not the individual accused of firing a weapon. Defense counsel noted that Vanderwall is a local high school student with no adult criminal history.
Bond was denied for both defendants. Prosecutors stated that the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances of the incident made release inappropriate.
Police also reported that following the shooting, Thompson fled to a nearby hotel room where individuals he knew were present. Officers located a woman who was briefly detained and a man who was later arrested on an unrelated probation violation.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing evidence and preparing for the next stages of the case.
