Jacob Joshua Ballard, 37, was found dead of a gunshot wound inside a home in the 14000 block of Hall Avenue in Thompsonville, Michigan, on the evening of March 28, 2026. Benzie County deputies responded to a 911 call around 9:20 p.m.; the call was placed by 66-year-old Jonathan Walter Frederick, who lived at the residence. Ballard had been living there and was described as a friend of Frederick.

Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public. After an initial investigation and a Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory review, Frederick was charged with open murder and illegal possession of a firearm; he has a prior conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon that barred legal firearm ownership. He is being held without bond in the Benzie County Jail. A preliminary hearing scheduled for April was adjourned at the defense attorney’s request and a new date has not been set.

Ballard’s obituary notes his love of fishing and outgoing personality; he is survived by two children, his parents and other family. Does anyone in the area have information about Ballard’s last days at the Hall Avenue residence or about what happened the night of March 28?