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Eastern Michigan University Football Player Found Dead, Played For Simeon Academy

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A former Chicago high school football star was fatally shot in a robbery near the campus of Eastern Michigan University.

The body of Demarius Reed, 20, who is a wide receiver for Eastern Michigan, was found in a stairwell in a off-campus apartment building called University Green in Ypsilanti.

Police are investigating the case as a homicide. Reed suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and police said "personal items" were taken from him.

"Why would a person do something like that?" the victim's stunned grandfather, Joe L. Reed, tells CBS 2. "Why are people so crazy and why are people so mean and hateful?"

Reed's body was found around 7:15 a.m. on Friday, in the 700 block of West Clark Road. The apartment complex is located north of the campus.

"We are all deeply saddened by the tragic news this morning involving Eastern Michigan University student Demarius Reed," university President Susan Martin said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and his teammates on the football team. Demarius, a 20-year old junior majoring in Communication, Media and Theatre Arts, was well-liked and considered a leader among his teammates and friends."

Reed, who played high school football at Simeon Academy, was in his third season with the Eagles.

Demarius_Reed
Demarius Reed played from Simeon Academy. (Credit: John Rowland)

In 2012, Reed appeared nine games with three starts. He had 18 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown. He also returned 13 punts for 72 yards, an average of 5.5 yards/return.

To honor Reed, Saturday's home game against Ohio University will still be played at 1 p.m.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Reed's younger brother is a freshman at Simeon and is also a football player. Classes were dismissed early after news of Reed's death.

"Everybody who came into contact with him just loved him,'' Demarius' father, Carl Reed, told CBS 2.

Police did not have a suspect in custody.

In Chicago Friday, Simeon players said a prayer under a #2 jersey as a tribute to Reed.

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