BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A teenage boy accused of shooting and killing a Battle Creek Central High School student was arraigned in Calhoun County District Court on Friday, February 24.
14-year-old Justice Chimner is now facing four counts in the death of 17-year-old Jack Snyder which happened just over a week ago: Count 1 – Carjacking of 2006 Lincoln with violence, Count 2 – Felony firearm, Count 3 – Felony open murder, and Count 4 – Felony firearm.
According to his attorney, Chimner pleaded not guilty and asked for a preliminary trial and the court to issue a cash bond. But Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert asked the court for no bond, and said that Chimner had a previous history of stealing and attempting to sell a gun.
Snyder was shot on Friday night, February 17 while on his way home from his girlfriend’s birthday party according to Battle Creek Police Sergeant Jeff Case.
He offered both Chimner and a 13-year-old a ride due to the frigid temperatures. The two suspects then attempted a carjacking before shooting Snyder twice in the head. Snyder was later found by police face down in the road next to his vehicle around 12:10 a.m.
Emergency personnel attempted to revive Snyder who later died at the scene.
Chimner was taken into custody around 2 a.m. when police located him in a car parked in the area of Jackson Street and Bedford Road. The 13-year-old turned himself in to the Battle Creek Police Department with a parent around 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 19th.
Chimner’s next hearing is scheduled for March 13th.
