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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.