Police officials have arrested two suspects in the shooting death of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) football player, Demarius Reed, at an off-campus apartment complex. Two 20-year-old men from Detroit, Ed Jemeal Thomas and Kristopher Kaivon Pratt have been charged with murder and robbery in the death of Reed.
According to court documents, Thomas was arraigned Sunday at the Washtenaw County Jail on charges of open murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He hasn't been given bond and is currently held in the Wayne County Jail, MLive reports.
Pratt was charged with open murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, concealing weapons and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. According to officials at the 14A-1 District Court in Pittsfield Township, Pratt is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
"We have taken the first step in bringing about justice for Demarius Reed," City Manager Ralph Lange said. Campus police Chief Bob Hedges said the arrests mean "that our community is safer and that justice will be served," USA Todayreports.
Reed was a 20-year-old communications major from Chicago and played six games this season that included 15 passes for 185 yards. The starting wide-receiver was found dead in a stairwell at the University Green apartments in Ypsilanti on Oct. 18. Some of his personal belongings were found to be missing and police said that he was shot multiple times during a robbery.
"We are extremely grateful for the work and dedication of the Ypsilanti Police Department and our Department of Public Safety detectives in identifying suspects in this tragic and senseless crime against a wonderful student and inspiring young man," EMU President Susan Martin said.
EMU police Chief Bob Heighes said that the community is safer and that justice will be done. In order to prevent any more homicides in the campus, University officials are planning to recruit four more policemen to strengthen off-campus patrols.
"We are gratified to hear this news, and hope the Reed family can draw some comfort from this development," Francine Parker, chairwoman of the EMU Board of Regents said.
Tanesha Reed, the victim's mother, is relieved upon news of the arrests.
"I just want them to know the pain and devastation they have caused,'' Chicago Tribune reports.
