Ray Keller: Son, John Keller, expects to graduate in May; suspect faces trial in shooting

Benjamin Duer, The Repository
·1 min read
Central Michigan quarterback John Keller is shown at home in North Canton in June as he was recovering from gunshot injuries sustained in late April during an off-campus shooting. The man accused of shooting him is going on trial in March.
Central Michigan quarterback John Keller is shown at home in North Canton in June as he was recovering from gunshot injuries sustained in late April during an off-campus shooting. The man accused of shooting him is going on trial in March.

The man accused of injuring former Hoover High quarterback John Keller in an off-campus shooting near Central Michigan University last year is due to stand trial in March.

Kenneth W. Thomas Jr., now 22, of Detroit, faces multiple felony charges, including assault with intent to murder. A jury trial has been scheduled in the case for March 14 in Isabella County, according to court records.

More: Ray Keller: Son, John Keller, is progressing "step by step" in his recovery after shooting

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Thomas is accused of shooting two CMU students on April 24, 2021.

Keller, the starting quarterback at North Canton Hoover High for two seasons, and Tyler Bunting were shot outside Keller's apartment during a party. Keller, who played football for Central Michigan, and Bunting survived.

John Keller, a 2018 North Canton Hoover High graduate, is studying psychology at Central Michigan University. Keller, a quarterback, is recovering after being shot at an off-campus party on April, 24, 2021.
John Keller, a 2018 North Canton Hoover High graduate, is studying psychology at Central Michigan University. Keller, a quarterback, is recovering after being shot at an off-campus party on April, 24, 2021.

Keller spent almost a month in the hospital and underwent multiple procedures before he came home last summer.

Hoover quarterback John Keller looks for an opening during a 2017 game at Louisville.
Hoover quarterback John Keller looks for an opening during a 2017 game at Louisville.

His father Ray Keller said Friday that his son returned to school in August and has been rehabbing with the football team.

His son is expected to graduate in May. He's majoring in psychology.

"He's doing really good," Ray Keller said. "He got his weight back. He doesn't have his strength back yet. Mentally, he's doing pretty good."

Ray Keller said his son wants to get back to "Division I football ready" by spring to possibly play next season as a graduate.

"That would be amazing," the elder Keller said, "but he's a got a long way to go."

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Central Michigan U quarterback John Keller will graduate in May