On a cold December evening in 2017, the life of 27-year-old Blake VanSnepson was cut short in a violent confrontation in Hay Township, Michigan. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Blake was a father, son, and brother, known for his vibrant personality and deep connections within his community. The tragic events of December 22nd stemmed from a dispute that ultimately led to his fatal shooting.
The incident drew the attention of law enforcement, leading to the
arrest of two individuals. Tre Alan Friend, a 21-year-old from Beaverton, was identified as the shooter and was subsequently charged with open murder and felony firearm. Another man, 24-year-old Dominick Dale Harmon, was also implicated for his role in the events leading up to the shooting and was later charged with lying to a peace officer during the investigation.
According to court testimonies, the tragic chain of events began when Harmon found himself in a dispute with VanSnepson and called Friend for assistance. During the ensuing confrontation, an altercation broke out between Friend and VanSnepson. This physical exchange prompted Friend to retrieve a 20-gauge pump shotgun from his vehicle. He then fired the weapon, fatally wounding VanSnepson.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, Tre Alan Friend ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of homicide-manslaughter and felony firearm. He was sentenced to serve consecutive prison terms for his crimes. Dominick Dale Harmon also pleaded guilty to the charge of lying to a peace officer. The resolution of the legal cases brought a measure of closure to a community shaken by the violent loss of one of its own.
