2nd Suspect in Demarius Reed Murder Not Guilty on All Charges
A jury acquitted a man Monday evening in the robbery-slaying of Eastern Michigan University football player Demarius Reed.
The Washtenaw County Circuit Court jury reached the not guilty verdict in the trial of 21-year-old Ed Thomas. He was one of two men charged in the killing of the 20-year-old wide receiver from Chicago.
Twenty-year-old Kristopher Pratt accepted a deal and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, testifying that he shot Reed and Thomas participated in the Oct. 18 robbery.
The jury acquitted Thomas on open murder, armed robber and conspiracy charges.
In closing arguments Monday, Assistant Prosecutor NimishGanatra said Thomas is just as guilty as Pratt.
Defense lawyer Lorne Brown says the case hangs on false testimony by Pratt. Brown says Pratt lied to get a better deal.