Battle Creek Central student killed after offering suspects ride home
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Jack Snyder, an athlete, son, teammate and friend to many, was finishing out his senior year at Battle Creek Central High School, before he was shot and killed by two younger teenagers.
“It was hard for me to believe it, knowing Jack and knowing he was a good kid. He was not a troublemaker," Mel Carillo, Battle Creek Central High School soccer coach, said.
“I am going to miss him. I really am. I am going to miss him," Carillo said.
Snyder played soccer all four years of high school, where his kindness was felt on and off the field, according to Carillo.
“Nothing bad about that kid, everything was positive," Carillo said. "He was smart. He was very competitive."
It was nearly 12 degrees out Friday when Snyder was driving home from his girlfriend's birthday party, according to Sergeant Jeff Case.
“At that time two teens walked by and Jack offered them a ride because of the temperatures outside," Case said.
When Snyder offered a ride to the 14-year-old and 13-year-old, the two suspects attempted a carjacking. Snyder was shot twice and died, Case said.
"I think it's very tragic on a lot of different levels. When a 17-year-old Good Samaritan's passing away is very sad," Case said.
The two boys were arrested in connection to the killing, according to police.
The 14-year-old boy is being charged as an adult, according to the Calhoun County District Court.
The 13-year-old could be charged in a blended sentencing as a juvenile and an adult, according to a hearing Tuesday. The boy was arraigned on two charges: homicide - felony murder, and carjacking.
“The 13-year-old, we expect at our prosecutor's office, to also be pushed to adult court as well," Case said.
Snyder was found face down next to his vehicle in the road Friday around 12:10 a.m.
Emergency personnel attempted to revive Snyder, but police said he died on scene.
The 14-year-old was taken into custody Sunday around 2 a.m. when police located him in a car parked in the area of Jackson Street and Bedford Road, according to the Battle Creek Police Department.
The gun used in the fatal shooting was recovered, and the boy was taken to the Calhoun County Youth Center, police said.
The 13-year-old turned himself in to theBattle Creek Police Department with a parent at about 5 p.m. Sunday and is being held at the Calhoun County Youth Center, police said.
A memorial has been set up on the corner of Battle Creek Avenue and Capital SW following the shooting.
