TRAVERSE CITY -- The teenage suspect accused of killing Carly Lewis pleaded not guilty to murder charges Thursday morning.
Robert Jensen Schwander, 17, of Traverse City was arraigned by video from the Grand Traverse County jail at 8:30 AM. The judge did not grant bond.
He will be back in court for a preliminary examination on June 27. If Schwander is found guilty of the charges he faces life in prison.
Schwander is the son of a Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Deputy. The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office released this statement in regards to the tragedy:
This tragic event has taken from this community a family member and friend of many people.
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis family. This is especially difficult for the Sheriff's Office because of the relationship of the suspect in this incident with one of our officers and, because of the business we are in. The department as a whole is supportive in whatever way possible to the family of the officer, not unlike any other company or business would act in a similar situation.
The officer is currently on scheduled days off and administrative leave to provide him the time needed to be with his family.
