Former MSU Basketball Star Keith Appling Charged With Murder

DETROIT — Former Michigan State University basketball star Keith Appling has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a 66-year-old Detroit man, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday.

Appling, 29, is accused of killing Clyde Edmonds, whose wife is the first cousin of Appling's mother. He is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of felony firearm.

Prosecutors said Appling's girlfriend, 28-year-old Natalie Brooks Banister, is charged with accessory after the fact in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors have accused her of driving Appling from the scene and lying to police investigating the case.

Prosecutors said arrangements have been made for both suspects to be arraigned in 36th District Court, although those hearings are not expected to take place Monday.

Detroit police identified Appling as a suspect in the shooting, which unfolded in the 13200 block of Whitcomb Street on May 22. Police at the time said Appling and Edmonds had a "verbal altercation" over a handgun that turned physical before Edmonds was shot multiple times.

Appling fled the area near Schoolcraft and Greenfield Road a newer model tan Buick Regal, police said later. He was arrested around 10:30 a.m. on May 24 without incident in the 1500 block of Commerce Park Drive in Chelsea. A firearm was recovered during the arrest, police said in a news release.