After leaving his girlfriend’s birthday party, a 17-year-old Michigan boy was shot dead by two younger boys, ages 13 and 14, after offering them a ride on the road in the freezing weather.
On January 17, shortly after midnight, first responders discovered Jack Snyder, 17, lying on the ground next to his car after he was shot during an attempted carjacking by the two younger boys.
Officers discovered Snyder in Battle Creek, Michigan, and attempted CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 14-year-old, later identified as Justice James Chimner, and the 13-year-old, who turned himself in but has not been identified publicly, were both arrested.
Investigators have recovered a gun believed to have been used in the murder, but it is unclear which of the boys fired it.
Snyder died as a result of his kindness, according to Battle Creek Police Department Sergeant Jeff Case.
Snyder was attempting to help the boys by offering them a ride in the cold in his car, but they turned on him and attempted to carjack him.
Snyder was probably fighting his attackers when he was killed.
According to Sergeant Chris Rabbitt, the department received numerous tips and surveillance footage from multiple locations which assisted them in tracking and identifying the suspects’ movements.
On Sunday, February 19, Chimner, 14, was charged as an adult with murder, two weapons-related charges, and carjacking. He faces life in prison if convicted.
The 13-year-old was charged with first-degree murder, homicide, and carjacking. The two boys had no known connection to the victim.
Snyder, a senior at Battle Creek Central High School, was described as an athlete and honor student.
According to the obituary, Snyder had a zest for life and loved and cared for everyone. His sister called the boys who murdered Snyder “monsters” in a Facebook post, adding that Jack had the biggest heart.