Traverse City, Mich. — A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 24 in the case against Hunter Vanderwall, the man accused in the fatal November 2025 shooting of a Traverse City parking-services employee inside a downtown parking structure.
Vanderwall is charged in connection with the Nov. 15, 2025 shooting death of Lawrence “Larry” Boyd IV, who was working inside the Larry C. Hardy parking deck at the time of the incident.
The hearing will take place in Grand Traverse County’s 86th District Court as part of pre-trial proceedings. During the probable cause hearing, prosecutors must present enough evidence to convince a judge that a crime was committed and that Vanderwall committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, the case will be bound over to circuit court for trial.
The November Shooting
According to authorities, the shooting occurred inside the multi-level parking structure located in downtown Traverse City. Investigators have alleged that the incident also involved theft and escalated into violence.
Court documents indicate the situation unfolded rapidly, drawing immediate law enforcement response.
Following the initial shooting, Vanderwall allegedly engaged in a separate exchange of gunfire with police. During that confrontation, one officer was struck by a bullet but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
The case has remained in the public spotlight due to the high-profile nature of the downtown location, the loss of a city employee, and the involvement of law enforcement officers in the subsequent gunfire exchange.
Community Impact
The death of Boyd, a parking-services worker, deeply affected the Traverse City community. Colleagues and residents described him as dedicated and hardworking, and the incident raised concerns about safety in public municipal spaces.
The Larry C. Hardy parking deck, which serves residents, visitors, and downtown employees, remained closed temporarily following the shooting as investigators processed the scene.
City officials and law enforcement agencies have since reviewed safety protocols for public facilities.
What Happens Next
The Feb. 24 hearing will mark a key step in the judicial process. At that proceeding, prosecutors are expected to outline evidence gathered during the investigation, including witness statements, forensic findings, and law enforcement testimony.
Defense attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward.
If bound over to circuit court, the case could proceed toward trial unless a plea agreement is reached beforehand.
As of now, Vanderwall remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
