College basketball star charged with murder

A Western Michigan basketball player has been charged in the gun death of fellow student. Prosecutors have officially charged Joeviair Kennedy with the murder of Jacob Jones in Kalamazoo, MI. Kennedy was first picked up for questioning on Friday but was not charged until today. 

 

The Muskegon, MI native was a top recruit for the area and scored over 1,000 points in his high school career. He was redshirted last year but was getting significant minutes so far this season. He was not on the roster Saturday against James Madison. The murder took place off campus at an apartment during a robbery for money and a cell phone. Kennedy was denied bond.

We’re very shook by the whole thing. Now, it’s up to us to try and —  mentor young people —  try and pick up the pieces and move forward.

Western Michigan Coach Steve Hawkins

Kennedy is a 6’4″ guard who went by the nickname “Hip Hop”. His highlight reels show why. He is extremely athletic with incredible body control and has an outstanding vertical.

Losses like these are tragic. A 19-year-old lost his life and his family will forever have to live with that. Joeviair must have lost his mind to let something so serious get in the way of his talent and future. The college campus and all of the friends that these two young men had will forever be changed because of this incident.

Grief services are available for all Western Michigan students at the Sindecuse Health Center on campus. You do not need to call ahead but you can call (269) 387-1850 or go online to get more information on the school website.

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