MEMPHIS, July 12 (Reuters) – Former University of Kansas basketball standout Lagerald Vick was charged with attempted first-degree murder in Memphis on July 8. The arrest marks a catastrophic fall from college stardom.
Vick, 27, faces one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony. He is being held without bond.
Who Is Lagerald Vick? He was a key player for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2015 to 2019. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 8.5 points per game over his collegiate career. He was part of the 2018 Final Four team.
Vick went undrafted in 2019. He played professionally in the NBA G League and overseas in Turkey and Israel. His career never reached the heights his early promise suggested.
The Charge According to an affidavit from the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a “shooting with persons struck” call at Regional One Hospital on July 5.
The victim, Carlos Funzie, told police he was at a party on Madewell Drive in North Memphis. A man approached him. An argument ensued.
Funzie said the man pulled out a handgun and shot him. He was struck multiple times in the upper body. He survived and is in stable condition.
The victim identified Lagerald Vick as the shooter. Vick was arrested on July 8.
Legal Fallout The charge of attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee carries a sentence of 15 to 60 years. The firearm charge adds a mandatory minimum of three years.
Vick’s arraignment is scheduled for July 15 in Shelby County Criminal Court. His attorney declined to comment.
Community Reaction The news shocked the Kansas basketball community. Former teammates and coaches expressed disbelief on social media.
University of Kansas officials issued a brief statement: “We are aware of the reports regarding Lagerald Vick. We have no further comment at this time.”
What’s Next Vick remains in custody at the Shelby County Jail. His next court date is set for July 22. The case will proceed through the Tennessee criminal justice system.
One man is in the hospital. A former college star is in jail. A promising life derailed by a single night in Memphis.
| Charge | Tennessee Law | Potential Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Attempted First-Degree Murder | TCA 39-13-202 | 15-60 years |
| Employing Firearm in Felony | TCA 39-17-1324 | 3 years (mandatory minimum) |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Lagerald Vick?
- A: Lagerald Vick is a former University of Kansas basketball player who played for the Jayhawks from 2015 to 2019, averaging 8.5 points per game and reaching the 2018 Final Four. He went undrafted in 2019 and later played in the NBA G League and overseas in Turkey and Israel.
- Q: What is Lagerald Vick charged with?
- A: Vick is charged with attempted first-degree murder and employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony in Memphis, Tennessee, stemming from a July 5 shooting.
- Q: What happened in the shooting incident?
- A: According to police, Vick allegedly shot Carlos Funzie multiple times in the upper body during an argument at a party on Madewell Drive in North Memphis. Funzie survived and is in stable condition.
- Q: What is the potential sentence for attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee?
- A: Attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee carries a sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison, with an additional mandatory minimum of three years for the firearm charge.
Extended Reading
Sources for this report include the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the Kansas City Star, and Yahoo Sports. Court documents were obtained from the Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk’s Office.