On Sunday and Monday the Ypsilanti Police Department arrested two individuals in the death of
Demarius Reed. Ed Jemeal Thomas and a second subject are both facing murder and
robbery charges in Reed’s death. Thomas is facing charges of open murder, armed
robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. The second subject, who has not yet
been arraigned, faces charges of open murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit
armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm during the
commission of a felony, records show. Both subjects are in custody awaiting further court
proceedings.
This case had a lot of twists and turns and I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners for
their assistance specifically, LAWNET, the CRVP Task Force, the Michigan State Police, the
Warren Police Department, the Harper Woods Police Department, the Department of Homeland
Security and the United States Marshals Office. All of these agencies provided support that was
critical to solving this crime and we are grateful to have such a good working relationship with
them. However, the most important and effective relationship was between the City of Ypsilanti
and Eastern Michigan University. The support we have received, especially from the Police
Department and Chief Heighes was outstanding.
I would like everyone to know that the lion’s share of the work and all of the strategy employed
in this investigation came from a team of detectives. Detective Sergeant Tom Eberts of the
Ypsilanti Police Department, Detective Joe Yuhas of the Ypsilanti Police Department, Detective
Annette Coppock of the Ypsilanti Police Department, Detective Shana Thompson of the EMU
Police Department and Detective Susan McLennan of the EMU Police Department made up that
team. I have watched these officers work tirelessly over the past weeks on this case. There are
no words that can describe the dedication, commitment and competence they have displayed.
They gave selflessly of themselves and I am humbled to have witnessed the personal sacrifices
that they all made while working on this case.
I realize that these arrests will bring a sense of relief. However, it should not affect the level of
vigilance that should be exercised regarding personal safety. People should still travel in groups
when they can, they should avoid risk taking behaviors, they should still be aware of their
environment and most importantly people need to call the police when they see something
suspicious. Everyone needs to be an active component of the community. We are still interested
in any information regarding this case and encourage people to step forward.
On our part we will continue to do extra patrols with our partners at EMU, the Sheriff’s office
and Ypsilanti Township. We are committed to continuing collaborative efforts to reduce crime
and increase safety in densely occupied, off campus student residences and throughout the entire
community. Thus far, the efforts have been successful and it has been a pleasure to work with
EMU and the Sheriff on these collaborative efforts.
Ralph Lange, City Manager for the City of Ypsilanti
“I am extremely pleased that through the unceasing, hard work of a large team of police professionals,
lead by the Ypsilanti Police Department and greatly supported by EMU Detectives, we have taken the
first step in bringing about justice for Demarius Reed. Our joint efforts demonstrate the value of
collaboration, cooperation, and coordination of regional police agencies for the enhancement of public
safety for all of our citizens.”
Below are the statements Eastern Michigan University is releasing to the media
today about these developments:
President Susan Martin
“We are extremely grateful for the work and dedication of the Ypsilanti Police
Department and our Department of Public Safety detectives in identifying suspects
in this tragic and senseless crime against a wonderful student and inspiring young
man. The prayers and thoughts of the Eastern Michigan community remain with
the family and close friends of Demarius Reed. We will continue to collaborate
with the City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and the Washtenaw County Sheriff
in ensuring the safety and security of our staff and students."
EMU Chief of Police Bob Heighes
"I want to extend our thanks to Ypsilanti Interim Police Chief Tony DeGiusti and
detectives Tom Eberts, Joe Yuhas and Annette Coppock of the Ypsilanti Police
Department for their diligence and determined efforts in the investigation that
resulted in the apprehension of these suspects. This effort also included the
involvement of EMU detectives Shana Thompson and Susan McLennan. We
continue to work closely with the Ypsilanti Police Department on key safety
initiatives, including the expanded police patrols around our campus. We know
that our community is safer and that justice will be served."
Fran Parker, chair of the EMU Board of Regents
"We are gratified to hear this news, and hope the Reed family can draw some
comfort from this development. I want to extend thanks to the Ypsilanti Police
Department and the assisting agencies, and also to Crime Stoppers for helping so
extensively with reward money for information in this case.”