Justice Chimner charged in fatal shooting of Battle Creek Central High School student Jack Snyder

On Friday, Justice Chimner, a 14-year-old, was presented before a court for the homicide of a student at Battle Creek Central High School.

Chimner faced the following charges:

• Count 1 – Car jacking of 2006 Lincoln with violence — felony punishabe could get up to life
• Count 2 – Felony firearm – Had a gun in possession when he attempted the car jacking, two years to be served consecutively
• Count 3 – Felony open murder – life without parole – if convicted.
• Count 4 – Felony firearm – alleged that he had a handgun when he attempted to commit murder, felony of two years

As per statements from his lawyer, Morgan Pattan, Chimner refuted the accusations and pleaded not guilty. Chimner also requested a preliminary trial and asked the court to set a cash bond.

However, Prosecutor David Gilbert implored the court not to issue bail, citing Chimner’s prior record of theft and attempted firearm sale.

Gilbert argued that the safety of the community is at stake, and therefore, Chimner must remain in custody.

Magistrate Amber Straub ultimately denied bail to Chimner. Snyder, who was an accomplished athlete, a son, a teammate, and a friend to many, was completing his final year at Battle Creek Central High School when he was fatally shot by two younger teenagers.

Chimner was taken into custody at approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday when the Battle Creek Police Department found him in a parked car in the vicinity of Jackson Street and Bedford Road.

On February 17, when the temperature was almost 12 degrees, Snyder was driving back from his girlfriend’s birthday party, as per Sergeant Jeff Case’s report. Chimner and the 13-year-old tried to hijack Snyder’s car when he offered them a ride.

Snyder was shot twice and died as a result, according to Case. Snyder was found lying face down next to his car on the road around 12:10 a.m.

First responders tried to resuscitate Snyder, but the police reported that he died on the scene.

The police apprehended the two boys in connection with the murder. At a hearing on Tuesday, the 13-year-old was accused of homicide – felony murder and carjacking and could face a combined sentence as a juvenile and an adult.

According to Case, the 13-year-old is also anticipated to be tried in adult court by the prosecutor’s office.

According to the police, the 13-year-old surrendered to the Battle Creek Police Department with a parent at approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The police also recovered the gun that was used in the fatal shooting. Snyder’s funeral was held on Friday in Battle Creek.