Former East St. Louis athlete charged with first-degree murder out on monitored release
A former standout athlete at East St. Louis High School and the University of Wisconsin who was charged with first-degree murder has posted bond and been released from the St Clair County Jail.
Kraig T. Appleton, 29, was charged in the April 20 shooting death of Kelli S. Ferrell in the 2900 block of Converse Avenue in East St. Louis. Arresting records say Appleton shot Ferrell in the abdomen.
Appleton was arrested by Illinois State Police was being held at the St. Clair County Jail. His bail was reduced from $1 million to $100,000. He posted $10,000 for his monitored release.
East St. Louis police and Illinois State police jointly investigated the death. They have not released any suspected motive.
Appleton was a standout wide receiver at East St. Louis in 2009, when the Flyers won a state championship. HIs senior year, he earned all-state honors in both track and football. He also was on the school’s academic honor roll.
His 10 touchdowns and team-best 23.5 yards per catch earned him a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin., where, as a true freshman, he made three receptions. He was suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules and disappeared from the Badgers’ roster.
In 2011, he was hospitalized after being shot multiple times in East St. Louis.
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 5:37 PM.
