Former Michigan State basketball player Keith Appling, 29, may now be spending the rest of his life behind bars after being arrested for allegedly murdering a relative. The murder investigation is only the most recent of numerous legal issues Appling has either been accused of, questioned about or convicted in the last several years.
In 2017, he was sentenced to jail and probation for carrying a concealed weapon and resisting a police officer. In February of last year, Appling faced drug charges and was sentenced in Dec. to 18 months probation. Sunday, Detroit Police named Appling as a suspect in the shooting death of a 66-year-old man.
Appling is suspected of shooting 66-year-old Clyde Edwards, a relative, who was fatally shot on his own front lawn in the 13200 block of Whitcomb at around 7 p.m. Saturday. The two got into a heated verbal altercation that turned physical.
According to a police report, a different family member saw Appling earlier on Saturday, and the two went to Edwards’ house. The other relative was inside the house while Appling and Edwards were outside. The relative told police he heard gunshots and went outside. The relative saw Appling standing there with a gun in his hand with Edwards on the ground. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Appling then fled in a Buick Regal, and a search ensued for Appling on Sunday.
On Monday, Appling was arrested by Michigan State Police in Chelsea on suspicion of murder. A firearm reportedly was recovered during the arrest.
The former basketball star played at Michigan State from 2010-2014. The guard went undrafted but played in five career NBA games during the 2015-2016 season with Orlando. He played professionally in the G League, Dominican Republic, Italy and Mexico. Appling was a Mr. Basketball of Michigan in high school and a McDonald’s All American.
Several of Appling’s former teammates have reacted to his arrest over the weekend.
“Legit heartbroken & sick right now. … Damn man,” said former Spartan Anthony Ianni.
“Lost for words. Damn,” said Branden Dawson, who played three seasons with Appling at Michigan State.
As of now, the shooting remains under investigation.
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