During his first court appearance in Detroit on murder and other charges, a former Michigan State University basketball player was ordered to stay in jail.
Andrew Abood, the defense counsel, requested a bond, claiming that Keith Appling had always appeared in court in previous cases. However, due to the first-degree murder charge, a court rejected release on Thursday.
During the arraignment, Appling, 29, said almost nothing. On his behalf, Abood submitted a not-guilty plea.
Appling is accused of shooting and killing Clyde Edmonds, 66, on May 22 during a gunfight. The allegations against his fiancée, who is accused of driving a getaway car, are less serious.
The victim’s wife and Appling’s mother are cousins.
Since his arrest on May 24, Appling has been held in jail. He is also charged with assault in Jackson for an incident that occurred on May 2.
From 2010 until 2014, the Detroit Pershing prep star attended Michigan State. Appling also played professional basketball in Europe and had two brief stints with the Orlando Magic of the NBA.
Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s coach, described the situation as “sad.” He said, “I’m thinking about him. I feel bad about him. It’s a shame what’s happened.”
