Traverse City Parking Deck Murder Shocks Downtown Community
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A 32-year-old city employee was fatally shot in a downtown parking structure early Sunday morning in a brazen act of violence that has left local officials and residents reeling.
The victim, Lawrence “Larry” Boyd IV, was discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck on East State Street after staff reported finding his body around 7:48 a.m. on Nov. 16, 2025. Boyd, a Parking Services employee, was working the night shift when the shooting occurred.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and extended the city’s heartfelt condolences to Boyd’s family and colleagues. “This violence has no place in our city,” Marentette said, adding that support services are being made available for city employees affected by the loss.
Suspects Arrested, Charges Filed
Police quickly connected the homicide to a series of crimes that began the previous night. Law enforcement determined that two individuals, a 17-year-old Traverse City resident and an 18-year-old man, were involved in breaking into vehicles around downtown parking areas before Boyd’s death.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, surveillance footage shows one suspect firing multiple shots at Boyd after being confronted in the parking deck. Investigators recovered five 9mm shell casings at the scene, and the handgun used was later identified as stolen from Missaukee County.
According to court documents, the 17-year-old suspect is facing seven felony counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, felony firearm offenses, assaulting a police officer, and breaking and entering a vehicle. The 18-year-old defendant faces three felony counts, including felony murder and assault charges.
Both suspects were arraigned on Nov. 18, 2025, where they entered not guilty pleas and had bond denied by the judge. Prosecutors described their alleged actions — including continuing criminal behavior even after the shooting — as shocking and indicative of a serious threat to public safety.
Sequence of Events and Court Proceedings
After the fatal shooting, authorities say the suspects continued their crime spree, engaging in additional vehicle break-ins and a foot chase from police. During the pursuit, the 17-year-old allegedly fired shots at law enforcement officers, striking an officer’s pant leg — though no officers were physically injured.
A probable cause conference for the defendants was scheduled for December 2, 2025, as the case moves through the 86th District Court process.
Additionally, a third individual — 20-year-old Austin C. Bucco — has been charged in connection with the investigation for allegedly lying to police and being in possession of a firearm used in the crime. Prosecutors say Bucco appears in photographs on the suspects’ cell phones with the murder weapon shortly before the shooting.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The killing has prompted renewed discussions in Traverse City about security and public safety, particularly for city workers in isolated or after-hours settings. Interim City Manager Marentette confirmed that security cameras are in place at the parking deck and emphasized the city’s intent to review existing safety protocols, though specific plans have not yet been announced.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and love to the family of Lawrence Boyd IV,” Marentette said. “This incident has shaken our community, and we continue to support law enforcement as they pursue justice.”
Looking Ahead
As the case progresses through the court system, prosecutors and law enforcement continue to build their case, with upcoming hearings and probable cause conferences expected to clarify the charges and evidence further. The community remains in mourning for a city employee whose life was taken while performing his duties.
