THOMASVILLE- Larry Thompson III, 15, has been denied bond in the felony and malice murder of Edward Haygood.

Thompson appeared in Superior Court on Thursday afternoon for a first appearance in front of Judge Catherine Mims Smith, who explained the charges Thompson was facing and the maximum time he could serve for each.

Thompson has been charged with felony murder, which has a maximum penalty of life in prison with or without parole. He additionally faces the charge of malice murder, which has a maximum penalty of life with or without parole. He has also been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Both of these charges have a minimum of one year probation.

According to reports from the Thomasville Police Department, TPD officers responded to 113 Fern Street on December 17 at approximately 11:53 a.m. in reference to shots fired in the area.

Upon arrival, officers found Haygood had been shot multiple times. Officers began rendering aid until Thomas County EMS arrived and took over medical care, before transporting him to Archbold Memorial Hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Through an investigation, and the combined efforts of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Boston Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol, Thompson was identified as being involved in the shooting, utilizing a brown Glock to murder Haygood. At approximately 10:50 p.m. on Tuesday evening, he was arrested without further incident. He was detained in a Regional Youth Detention Center, before appearing in front of Smith on Thursday.

After explaining to Thompson his rights, Smith heard from District Attorney Jess Hornsby the recommendation for a bond.

Hornsby asked that Smith deny bond for Thompson, who he alleged has a prior juvenile history.

Hornsby informed Smith that Thompson may face additional charges in the near future, as investigators are in the early stages of an incident that occurred last month. Hornsby also questioned Thompson’s regard for the law, as he was not in school at 11:53 a.m., despite being enrolled as a student.

“I don’t believe a bond is appropriate,” Hornsby said.

Thompson’s public defender, Briana Lovett, asked Smith for a reasonable bond, explaining that her client is a student at Thomasville High School and is two credits shy of finishing his sophomore year. She ascertained that Thompson maintains an A/B average and is under the watchful eye of his grandmother, Doris Thompson.

Taking this into consideration, Smith asked how close the crime occurred to Doris’ residence. Both parties informed Smith the murder happened a mere two blocks from the residence.

After consideration of all criteria, Smith denied a bond for Thompson at this current time, stating she believed he was safest where he was.

Thompson can petition for another bond hearing at a later date, along with a grand jury trial.