DETROIT (WXYZ) — Former Michigan State University basketball star, Keith Appling, has been charged with first-degree murder in the deadly shooting of a 66-year-old man in Detroit on May 22.
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The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday that Appling has been charged with murder and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of felony firearm. Appling's girlfriend, Natalie Banister, 28, is also being charged in connection to the case.
Police say the shooting happened around 7 p.m. in the 13240 block of Whitcomb Street. Officers arrived at the home and found the victim, 66-year-old Clyde Edmonds, on the front lawn with multiple gunshot wounds. Edmonds is related to Appling through marriage.
An investigation found that an argument over a handgun led to the deadly shooting. Appling then fled the scene and was later arrested. Appling's girlfriend allegedly drove the getaway car. She's now charged with one count of accessory after the fact, and one count of lying to a peace officer.
“It has been clear that this man has been spiraling downward for some time. Many of those that tried to intervene with this defendant were hoping that he would get on the right track and stay there,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy. “It is always tragic when one with so much promise, talent, and possibility is alleged to have committed the most serious of crimes.”
Appling was arraigned and remanded to jail on June 10. Bannister was also arraigned and given a $50,000 personal bond. She has a GPS tether with a no contact provision with Appling.
