Traverse City, Michigan – November 17, 2025
The Traverse City community is grieving the tragic death of 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, a devoted Parking Services employee who was found dead from a suspected gunshot wound inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck on Sunday morning. His killing, now being investigated as a homicide, is believed to be connected to a violent incident the night before involving two teenage suspects, a stolen car, and shots fired at police.
Friends, coworkers, and residents are in shock as they mourn a man known for his steady work ethic, quiet responsibility, and consistent presence in downtown Traverse City.
What Happened
According to the Traverse City Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:48 a.m. on Sunday to the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck on East State Street after receiving a report of a deceased person. When they arrived, they discovered 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV dead from an apparent gunshot wound inside the structure where he worked for the city’s Parking Services Department.
Evidence at the scene led investigators to believe that Boyd’s death is connected to a separate case from Saturday night. In that earlier incident, two teenagers allegedly stole from a vehicle, fled from officers, and one of them fired multiple shots at police during a chase in the Munson Avenue/East Front Street area.
While no officers or suspects were injured during the Saturday night shooting, one bullet reportedly struck the pant leg of an officer’s uniform. Police now suspect that the same suspects and the same weapon are tied to the deadly shooting of Lawrence Boyd IV in the parking deck, though the full sequence of events remains under active investigation.
Who Was Lawrence Boyd IV?
To the people of Traverse City, Lawrence Boyd IV was far more than a victim in a crime report. He was a dedicated city employee, a colleague, and a community member whose daily efforts helped keep downtown operating smoothly.
Boyd worked for Traverse City Parking Services, based out of the Hardy Parking Structure, performing a vital but often overlooked role in the city’s day-to-day life. Those who worked alongside him describe him as dependable, consistent, and quietly committed to his responsibilities—someone who showed up, did the job well, and could be counted on.
Behind the uniform, Lawrence was also a son, friend, and neighbor with a life full of relationships, routines, and personal pride in his work. At just 32 years old, his life held promise and meaning that extended far beyond the walls of the parking deck where he was found.
Career, Legacy, and the Human Story Behind the Crime
While headlines focus on the homicide investigation, those who knew Lawrence Boyd IV are emphasizing his character and contributions. His role in Parking Services may not have put him in the spotlight, but it was essential—he was part of the infrastructure that keeps downtown Traverse City running for residents, workers, and visitors.
Coworkers recall a man who approached his job with integrity and a quiet sense of responsibility. His presence in the Hardy Parking Deck was a familiar one, and his reliability allowed others to do their work with confidence.
His legacy is not defined by the violence that ended his life, but by the everyday moments that made up his career and his relationships: greeting regular parkers, coordinating with colleagues, and doing the kind of behind-the-scenes work that keeps a city functioning. In that sense, Boyd’s death is felt not just as a crime, but as a deeply personal loss for a city team that considered him a teammate.
Public and Social Media Reactions
As news of Lawrence Boyd’s death spread, community members, city staff, and residents expressed shock and sadness. Many have taken to social media to share condolences with his family and appreciation for his work as a Traverse City Parking Services employee.
In a statement to local media, Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette called the tragedy “heartbreaking,” extending love and sympathies to Boyd’s family and acknowledging the emotional impact on coworkers and the broader community. He also thanked Traverse City Police and partner agencies for their swift response and efforts to prevent further harm.
The city has also indicated that support services are being made available to municipal employees affected by the loss, recognizing that many are grieving a colleague and friend, not just reacting to a news event.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Police say the killing of Lawrence Boyd IV is believed to be directly connected to the earlier robbery and police chase involving two teens, ages 17 and 18, both now in custody at the Grand Traverse County Jail. The younger suspect faces an attempted homicide charge related to shooting at officers, while both teens face charges of larceny from an auto and resisting and obstructing.
The Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck is expected to remain closed until at least Monday as investigators from Traverse City Police, Michigan State Police Crime Lab, and other partner agencies continue processing the scene and building the homicide case.
Authorities have stated that, with the suspects in custody and the firearm recovered, there is no ongoing threat to public safety. However, the homicide investigation remains active, and police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
As Traverse City moves forward, community leaders have emphasized the need for healing, unity, and continued attention to public safety and youth intervention, so tragedies like this are less likely to occur.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Lawrence Boyd IV Death and Obituary: Traverse City Mourns Parking Services Employee Killed in Parking Deck Shooting first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
