A 17-year-old Michigan boy was killed by two younger boys, aged 13 and 14, after he offered them a ride home while he was on the road heading home from his friend’s birthday party.
In the early hours of January 17, first responders found 17-year-old Jack Snyder lying next to his car, having been shot during an attempted carjacking by two younger boys.
Police in Battle Creek, Michigan, found Snyder unresponsive on the ground and attempted CPR, but he was later declared dead at the scene.
Both the unnamed 13-year-old who turned himself in and the 14-year-old who was later identified as Justice James Chimner were taken into custody.
A firearm believed to have been used in the murder was found, but investigators haven’t said which of the boys was responsible for firing it.
Battle Creek Police Sergeant Jeff Case says that Snyder’s death was caused by his generosity.
When Snyder offered the boys a ride in his car, they reportedly turned on him and tried to carjack him.
It’s likely that Snyder was killed while defending himself from his assailants.
Sergeant Chris Rabbitt stated that the department was given numerous tips and surveillance footage from various locations, both of which helped in tracing and identifying the movements of the suspects.
Sunday, February 19, 14-year-old Chimner was charged as an adult with murder, two counts of weapon possession, and carjacking. A life sentence awaits him if he is found guilty.
The other youngster,13, was charged with first-degree murder, homicide, and carjacking.
The victim was not known to have any ties to the two juvenile offenders.
An athlete and straight-A student, Snyder was a senior at Battle Creek Central High.
From what can be learned from his obituary, Snyder loved and cared for all who crossed his path. In a Facebook post, his sister called the boys who killed Snyder “monsters” and said that Jack had the biggest heart of anyone she knew.
