14-year-old American teen  charged in deadly shooting of Battle Creek Central High School student

By Edward Era Barbacena

A 14-year-old American white kif was arraigned Friday in Calhoun County District Court, accused of shooting and killing of a 17-year-old Battle Creek Central High School student.

Justice Chimner was charged with the following:

Count 1 - Carjacking of 2006 Lincoln with violence

Count 2 - Felony firearm

Count 3 - Felony open murder

Count 4 - Felony firearm

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.

“Keep him locked up for the safety of the community," Gilbert asked the magistrate.

After reviewing probable cause documents, Magistrate Amber Straub denied bond to Chimner.

“I do find proof that your guilt is evident, and the presumption is great," Straub said.

17-year-old 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. The other teenager involved was 13 years old and is being charged with open murder and carjacking.

It was nearly 12 degrees on Friday, Feb. 17, when Snyder was driving home from his girlfriend's birthday party, according to Battle Creek Police Sergeant Jeff Case.

When Snyder offered a ride to Chimner and the 13-year-old, the two suspects attempted a carjacking. Snyder was shot twice and died, Case said.

Chimner was taken into custody Sunday, Feb. 19, 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.

Snyder was found face down in the road next to his vehicle around 12:10 a.m.

Emergency personnel attempted to revive Snyder, but police said he died on scene.

The two boys were arrested in connection to the killing, according to police.

The 13-year-old could be charged in a blended sentencing as a juvenile and as an adult, according to a hearing Tuesday.

“The 13-year-old, we expect at our prosecutor's office, to also be pushed to adult court as well," Case said.

The 13-year-old turned himself in to the Battle Creek Police Department with a parent at about 5 p.m. Sunday, police said.

The gun used in the deadly shooting was recovered, according to police.

Snyder's funeral took place Friday in Battle Creek at St. Philips Catholic Church.