Crime
Traverse City Parking Services Employee Lawrence Boyd Found Fatally Shot Inside Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A homicide investigation is underway after a city employee was found deceased early Sunday morning in a downtown parking deck, an incident authorities believe is connected to an attempted murder of a Traverse City police officer the previous night.
At approximately 7:48 a.m. on November 16, officers from the Traverse City Police Department responded to the 300 block of East State Street after receiving a report of an unresponsive individual.
Upon arrival, police discovered 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, an employee of the city’s Parking Services Department, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck.
His identity was released with the consent of his family.
Investigators now confirm the killing is linked to a separate incident that occurred the night before, on November 15 at around 10:30 p.m.
In that case, two teenage suspects from Traverse City were arrested after allegedly stealing items from a vehicle and fleeing police.
During the pursuit, a 17-year-old suspect discharged a firearm, firing multiple rounds at officers.
One bullet struck the pant leg of a uniformed officer, but no injuries were reported.
Both suspects remain in custody at the Grand Traverse County Jail.
Charges include attempted homicide, larceny from an automobile, and resisting and obstructing law enforcement.
The firearm believed to have been used in both incidents has been recovered.
Authorities emphasize there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the shelter-in-place alert issued Saturday night has since been lifted.
The State Street parking deck remains closed as investigators continue processing the scene.
Traverse City Police Chief Matt Richmond stated the closure may remain in effect until at least Monday.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette released a statement offering condolences to Boyd’s family and support to affected employees:
“This tragedy is heartbreaking. We extend our deepest sympathies and our love to the family of Lawrence Boyd IV, a teammate in our Parking Services Department. I also want to thank the Traverse City Police Department and our partner agencies for their swift response, which prevented further harm. Support services are being made available to all city staff.”
The investigation remains active.
Authorities expect to release additional information as it becomes available.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.