July 21 trial start in football player's slaying

July 21 trial start scheduled for 2 men in slaying of Eastern Michigan football player Reed

7/1/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Two Detroit men charged in the fatal shooting of Eastern Michigan University football player Demarius Reed are set to go to trial starting July 21.

The 20-year-old wide receiver from Chicago was killed Oct. 18 at his off-campus apartment building in Ypsilanti. Police say Reed’s wallet and cellphone were taken.

Twenty-year-year-old Kristopher Pratt and 21-year-old Ed Thomas are expected to have separate juries at their trial in Washtenaw County Trial Court.

At a hearing today, Judge Donald E. Shelton said there are no plea negotiations underway.

Both defendants face open murder and armed robbery charges. Defense lawyers say there isn’t enough evidence that their clients committed the crimes.