A month after Eastern Michigan University football player Demarius Reed was fatally shot in his off-campus Ypsilanti apartment building, authorities announced two suspects have been charged with murder and robbery in his death.
Ed J. Thomas, 20, was arraigned Sunday on charges of open murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, court documents show. He is being held without bond.
Kristopher K. Pratt, 20, is expected to be arraigned Tuesday, according to police and court documents. He was charged with open murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to a news release issued by Ypsilanti police.
Reed, 20, who had dreams of one day playing in the NFL, was killed Oct. 18 in the University Green apartment building. Police have not released a possible motive, but said in the news release that "this case had a lot of twists and turns," without elaborating.
"This news is sort of like a sore wound that's just being reopened," Mary Reed, Demarius Reed's grandmother, said from her home in Chicago.
Reed's family told the Free Press they've heard about the arrests but don't know more, including what led police to the suspects.
"I'm happy that someone is going to be accountable or potentially accountable," Mary Reed said.
A court file listed five suspects in the case, but police said three of those people were cleared. The file also included a state police lab report on a semi-automatic pistol and two bullets. Tests done on the bullets were unable to match them to the gun.
Officials with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office declined to comment today.
The Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender was appointed to represent Thomas, but an attorney had not been assigned today, an official with the office said.
Pratt, of Detroit, was already facing four charges in a shooting at Eastland mall on Nov. 2 -- just two weeks after Reed's death, Harper Woods police have said. He was accused of using a semi-automatic gun to rob a 25-year-old of Air Jordan gym shoes. The victim was able to get away and was uninjured, police said.
Pratt is charged with armed robbery, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and felony firearm.
Wayne County court records show Thomas pleaded guilty to receiving and concealing stolen property less than $200 in 2011, and an unarmed robbery charge was dismissed. In August, a first-degree home invasion charge against him was dropped when witnesses didn't appear, court records show.
EMU President Susan Martin released a statement today saying the school is grateful police identified suspects in the "tragic and senseless crime against a wonderful student and inspiring young man."
"The prayers and thoughts of the Eastern Michigan community remain with the family and close friends of Demarius Reed," the statement said.
Reed said she'll remember her grandson as a fun, loving, kind and passionate person.
"Why would anyone want to take someone's life over a few minor things?" Mary Reed said. "We have to try and adjust as best as we can, but it's hard."
Copyright 2013 - Detroit Free Press
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
