Eastern Michigan University student athlete Demarius Reed was found dead today at 7:15 a.m. at the University Green apartment complex, located at 700 block of West Clark Road. The investigation is being treated as a homicide.
In a press release issued by the Ypsilanti Police Department late Friday afternoon, it was stated that no suspects were in custody.
The Ypsilanti Police Department is investigating the death. EMU Vice President for Communications Walter Kraft said in an email that the Ypsilanti Police Department is in contact with the EMU Police Department regarding the investigation.
According to the YPD release, robbery was stated as a possible motive.
Reed was a junior and starting wide receiver for EMU’s football team. He previously played for Simeon High School in Chicago. His body was discovered by his roommate, who immediately called 911.
In an e-mail sent to EMU students and staff, President Susan Martin issued the following statement:
“We are all deeply saddened by the tragic news this morning involving Eastern Michigan University student Demarius Reed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and his teammates on the football team,” Martin stated in the e-mail.
Communications professor Christine Tanner taught Reed during his freshman year.
“He was kind of one of those [people] that you would call a ‘sweetheart’.” Tanner said.
She also mentioned his work ethic and said he was a student who did everything right.
Professor Ray Quiel, from the Media and Communications Department taught Reed as well.
“Demarius was a wonderful student to have in class. He had an infectious, contagious positive energy. He always sat in the front row,” Quiel said.
Martin said the university was establishing a website which will provide ongoing information about the case, as well as laying out counseling services being offered in the wake of this incident.
Counseling will be taking place at Snow Health Center. Its offices are located at 313 Snow Health Center. Counselors recommend that those interested call ahead before stopping in. The phone number is (734)-487-1118
This story will be updated as new details come.
Echo Managing Editor Al Willman, News Editor Dana Afana, Sports Editor Eugene Evans and Staff Writers Drew Saunders and Derrick Vergolini contributed to this story.
