TRAVERSE CITY — 17-year-old Eugene Thompson pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and six other felony charges during a court appearance on March 20. The charges follow the Nov. 15, 2025, fatal shooting of Larry Boyd IV, a Traverse City parking services employee. Thompson will now be bound over to the 13th Circuit Court.
The hearing in Grand Traverse County 86th District Court followed a March 6 ruling that found Thompson competent to stand trial. The court determined the teenager possesses the mental capacity to understand legal proceedings and assist in his own defense regarding the shooting at the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck.
The prosecutor’s office reported that Boyd was killed at approximately 9:30 p.m. while working inside the downtown parking structure. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Attwood said police connected Thompson and 18-year-old Hunter Vanderwall to the death after reviewing security camera footage. Thompson was arrested outside a Super eight Motel and Vanderwall was arrested on the Northwestern Michigan College campus.
Attwood stated that Thompson faces seven felony counts as an adult. These include first-degree murder, which is punishable by life without parole and attempted murder, which carries a penalty of life or any term of years. Other charges include receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearm and assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer. Thompson is also charged with breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property valued under $200.
The investigation revealed a second shooting incident involving local law enforcement a few hours after Boyd was killed. According to the prosecutor’s office, Thompson and Vanderwall shot at Traverse City Police. One officer was struck by a bullet, but his ballistic vest prevented serious injury.
City Manager Benjamin Marentette confirmed that Boyd was on duty at the parking deck at the time of the shooting.
A Circuit Court pre-trial hearing for Thompson is scheduled for April 17.
NOTE: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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