Keith Appling.Photo: Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty
FormerNBAplayer Keith Appling is reportedly facing jail for second-degree murder.
On Monday, the ex-Orlando Magic starpleaded guilty to a second-degree murder chargein connection with the killing of66-year-old Clyde Edmonds and an associated felony firearm charge, reported CNN.
The Michigan State University basketball star — who was distantly related to Edmonds — entered his plea on thesame day his trial was to start, added Fox Sports.
The outlet added that Appling reportedly shot Edwards three times while arguing over a firearm, before fleeing the scene. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, it continued.
Bannister pleaded guilty to the lying charge and received 18 months of probation, theDetroit Free Pressreported. The other two charges were dropped under Bannister’s plea agreement.
“It has been clear that this man has been spiraling downward for some time,” prosecutor Worthy added in her statement. “Many of those that tried to intervene with this defendant were hoping that he would get on the right track and stay there.”
Keith Appling.Andy Lyons/Getty
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“It is always tragic when one with so much promise, talent, and possibility is alleged to have committed the most serious of crimes,” she added.
Appling had previously been jailed for a year forcarrying a concealed weaponin 2016, reported ESPN. While on parole for the crime in 2020, he was also charged with drug-related crimes after police discovered a “golf ball-sized” amount of heroinin his car, the outlet added. He then served 18 months probation, reportedThe Detroit Free Press.
CNN added that Appling’s plea agreement will result in a sentence of 18 to 40 years in a correctional facility in addition to two years of a consecutive sentence for the felony firearm charge. Sentencing is scheduled to take place on March 3.
Appling’s attorney and the Wayne County assistant prosecutor’s office did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for information.
source: people.com
