Joeviair Kennedy, a redshirt freshman member of Western Michigan’s men’s basketball team, was indicted on charges of murder and armed robbery of another student on Monday following his arraignment in a Kalamazoo court.
The incident in question took place last Thursday, December 8th, when 19-year-old Western Michigan student Jacob Jones was fatally shot in an off-campus apartment during a botched robbery. Kennedy, 20, is suspected of murdering Jones during the attempted robbery of a cellphone and money. He is facing a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Kennedy has not yet obtained an attorney and has been denied bond. Joeviair’s name and images have been completely removed from the school’s website following his suspension from the team after being arrested on Friday.
Western Michigan also released a statement on Friday explaining the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
“Earlier today, local law enforcement officials notified us of an incident near our campus that led to the death of a 20-year-old Western Michigan University student. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. In conversation with law enforcement, Kalamazoo Public Safety indicated to us their desire to locate and talk with one of our current student-athletes in connection to this incident.”
WMU coach Steve Hawkins briefly addressed the incident with the media on hand. “It’s a devastating loss for our university. It’s a devastating tragedy for everybody involved… Lives were changed forever, and so, we’re very, very respectful of that.”
Kennedy was averaging 3.1 points in eight games this season for the Broncos.
