Crime
Eugene Thompson and Hunter Vanderwall Arrested After Traverse City Parking Services Employee Lawrence Boyd Found Fatally Shot Inside Larry C Hardy Parking Deck
Traverse City, Mich. — Authorities are releasing new information following a deadly sequence of events in downtown Traverse City that resulted in the fatal shooting of a city employee and an attempted shooting of law enforcement officers. The incidents, now confirmed to be connected, have led to multiple arrests and an ongoing investigation.
The victim, 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, an employee with the Traverse City Parking Services Department, was found deceased inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck early Sunday morning.
Boyd suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene after officers discovered him unresponsive around 7:48 a.m. on November 16.
His name was released with the consent of his family.
Investigators now believe Boyd’s homicide is directly tied to a prior violent encounter with police late Saturday night.
Authorities have identified two individuals currently in custody:
Suspect #1: Eugene Dale Thompson, 17
- Charged as an adult
- Believed to be the individual who fired the fatal shot that killed Boyd
- Facing seven felony charges, including:
- Open murder
- Attempted homicide of a police officer
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Auto larceny
- Resisting and obstructing law enforcement
Thompson’s arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today.
Suspect #2: 18-Year-Old Hunter Vanderwall
- Name withheld pending formal charging
- Arrested in connection with the police chase and stolen firearm
- Police have indicated he did not fire the shot that killed Boyd
- Arraignment details have not yet been released
Officials also confirmed that a third individual may be connected to earlier vehicle break-ins reported the same night.
No description or identifying information has been released at this time.
The fatal shooting is believed to have occurred shortly before or after an incident around 10:30 p.m. on November 15, when officers attempted to stop two suspects accused of stealing items from a vehicle.
During the pursuit, the 17-year-old suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at officers.
One round struck a police officer’s pants, though no physical injury occurred.
Both suspects were apprehended shortly thereafter, and investigators later recovered the firearm believed to have been used in both the pursuit and Boyd’s killing.
The parking deck remains closed as detectives from multiple agencies continue processing evidence.
Chief of Police Matt Richmond stated the closure may extend through Monday as the investigation continues.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette issued a formal statement expressing condolences and support:
“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.”
Authorities confirm there is no remaining threat to the public, and the temporary shelter-in-place order issued Saturday evening has been lifted.
The investigation remains active, and additional updates are expected as charging decisions finalize and evidence review continues.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Traverse City Police Department or submit tips through official reporting channels.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.