Suspect in Jack Snyder's murder stole mother's gun before shooting
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A 14-year-old admitted to stealing his mother's 9mm pistol before allegedly shooting Jack Snyder, a 17-year-old high school student, twice, killing him, according to probable cause documents.
On the day of the shooting, Justice Chimner, 14, was with a friend when he witnessed a conversation on Snap Chat of someone asking them to steal a vehicle in exchange for money, documents read.
While driving home from his girlfriend's birthday party, Snyder offered the two a ride home when they attempted a car jacking, according to documents.
"Justice told Detective Huggett it was extremely cold outside that night Snyder was trying to be a 'nice guy,'" the documents read.
Chimner told police earlier that day he was hanging out with the 13-year-old and witnessed a conversation on his Snapchat requesting the two to steal a car in exchange for money.
Chimner elaborating the 13-year-old had stolen cars for this person in the past.
Battle Creek Police confirmed with News Channel 3, car jackings have increased slightly from five years ago.
While driving on Battle Creek Avenue, Chimner's friend told Snyder to pull over and removed the keys from the ignition, the documents read.
Chimner then aimed the weapon at Snyder.
He told police that Snyder began reaching for the gun and grabbing something from his jacket.
Chimner believed Snyder was pulling a gun, so he shot him twice, according to the documents.
Snyder, an athlete, son, teammate and friend to many, was finishing out his senior year at Battle Creek Central High School.
“I am going to miss him. I really am. I am going to miss him," Mel Carillo, Battle Creek Central High School soccer coach, said.
Chimner is being charged as an adult. He was arraigned Friday on two counts of felony firearm, open murder, and carjacking.
According to his attorney, Morgan Pattan, Chimner pleaded not guilty and asked for a preliminary trial and the court to issue a cash bond.
Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert asked the court for no bond, and said Chimner has a previous history of stealing and attempting to sell a gun.
In August 2022, Chimner was released from a juvenile home and placed on tether according to Gilbert, which he continually violated.
Chimner's preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 13th.