Suspect in June Grand Rapids murder now in custody

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The suspect in a June murder case in Grand Rapids is now in police custody.

Ronald Armor Jr. is being held in the Kent County Jail on open charges of murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. 38-year-old man accused of shooting and killing Jeremy Parnell on June 29.

Parnell was one of two people who arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds after an incident. A shooting was reported near Ardmore Avenue and Thelma Boulevard in Grand Rapids.

Eyewitnesses reported that many people left the scene in vehicles. Minutes later, the first victim arrived at the hospital.

Police teams arriving at the scene found a gun and bullet casings on the ground. Investigators determined the attack ended a birthday party near the site that also used a party bus, according to court documents.

Family and friends were unable to reach Parnell for hours after the party. His sister eventually found his vehicle down the street from the shooting scene. Parnell was inside with a bullet in his chest.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A witness who later came forward told police he was outside when the party bus was parked near Ardmore and Thelma. He said Armor was arguing with a friend before pulling out a gun and shooting Parnell.

This witness later identified Armor from a photo lineup.

Kent County Sheriff’s Office

Armor’s brother, who was on the party bus at the time, told investigators he heard a gunshot outside the bus. The brother ran outside with his own gun and fired several shots into the air. Armor’s brother said he saw the suspect fighting with another person. Armor had a gun in his hand at the time, and when he punched the other person, the gun went off.

The brother said Armor claimed Parnell confronted him while he was armed with his own gun and struck Armor in the head.

During police interviews, Armor claimed he was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed. Armor denied owning a gun, saying he fought off the attackers before leaving the area.

The arrest, which took place after months of work, is a big step towards a solution.

“This arrest is the result of months of dedicated work by our GRPD detectives,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “This serves as another example of GRPD’s tireless pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime in our city. “I hope this brings some comfort and closure to Jeremy’s family.”

Follow FOX 17: Facebook – X (formerly Twitter) – instagram – YouTube