Boyer and Beatty Arraigned in Clare Co. Homicide Case

On 10/20/21, at approximately 4:00 p.m., deputies of the Clare County Sheriff Department were dispatched to a residence on S. Harrison Avenue for a shooting that had taken place.  The investigation initially revealed two males had been shot in the head by a small caliber firearm.  One male, identified as Zachary Alan Salminen, was pronounced dead on scene, the other was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. He was identified as Wade Harlan Bacon. Upon further investigation at the scene, two additional bodies were located in an outbuilding.  Both of those individuals had been shot as well and were pronounced dead on scene.  They were later identified as Henry Lee Boyer and Patricia Ann Boyer.

Salminen and Bacon were friends of Beatty, all other parties were related to one another.

Witnesses placed Judy Boyer and Ryan Beatty on scene. Beatty was present in another area within the home when Judy Boyer allegedly shot Salminen and Bacon.  Beatty was unaware that Henry and Patricia Boyer had been shot earlier in the day.  Beatty allegedly assisted Boyer with hiding the rifle. While allegedly assisting with the disposal of the weapon, Beatty was observed by witnesses to be in possession of the rifle. 

            Both Boyer and Beatty were arrested by Clare County Sheriff’s deputies on October 21, 2021.  Prosecutor Michelle Ambrozaitis authorized the following charges against Judy Boyer: 2 counts of First Degree Premeditated Murder; 2 counts of Second Degree Murder; and 4 counts of felony firearm. Prosecutor Ambrozaitis put Ms. Boyer on notice that she was going to seek enhanced sentencing as a habitual 4^th offender.

            Prosecutor Ambrozaitis authorized the following charges against Ryan Beatty: 1 count of Accessory After the Fact to a Felony; and, 1 count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  Prosecutor Ambrozaitis put Mr. Beatty on notice that she was going to seek enhanced sentencing as a habitual 4^th offender.

            Both Boyer and Beatty were arraigned in the 80^th District Court by Judge Farrell and Magistrate Post respectively.  Prosecutor Ambrozaitis was in attendance for the arraignment for Boyer.  Bond was established at $1 million cash/surety only.  The arraignment could not be concluded as Boyer experienced a medical issue during the proceeding.

            Magistrate Post arraigned Beatty earlier in the afternoon, the Prosecutor’s Office was not advised that the arraignment was taking place and was not in attendance.  Bond was established at $30,000.00 cash/surety/10%, with all standard bond conditions ordered.  The probable cause conference was scheduled for November 4, 2021 at 9:00am and the preliminary examination was scheduled for November 10, 2021, at 3:00pm.  No further dates for Boyer have been set due to the medical issue.

            It is important to note that even though charges have been filed, there is a presumption of innocence until a plea or finding of guilt.

            Prosecutor Ambrozaitis and Sheriff Wilson would like to thank all of the agencies that assisted during this investigation, it was an excellent team effort.  Both Prosecutor Ambrozaitis and Sheriff Wilson express their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims.