Man charged with killing nephew over Thanksgiving dinner in court

(WJBK) - A Detroit man accused of shooting and killing his own nephew appeared before a judge Wednesday.

James Graham, 48, was arraigned on open murder and other charges for allegedly killing his 16-year-old nephew, Freland Pridge after an argument over Thanksgiving dinner.

"Due to the nature of the charges being brought against you, you will be reminded to the Wayne County Jail until your next court date," said the judge. "Step away from the camera."

The very short arraignment was performed on video from the jail. Graham had recently been released from prison before this incident, the day after Thanksgiving.

He had been on the run for four days before Detroit police arrested during a traffic stop on Monday.

There are still questions remain as to why the incident happened - Graham and Pridge supposedly had a good relationship.

"My brother, he said 'You know you better slow down after all that eating,'" said Freddie Graham, James' brother and the father of Pridge. "But Freland said 'My grandmother made this for me and I'm going to eat this.'"

Freland Pridge attended the 11th grade at Henry Ford Academy School for Creative Studies. In a statement, Lisa Kreinbring from the school said:

"Freland quickly made many friends and was well-liked by students and staff. This tragedy raised many emotions for our entire school."

A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night at the scene of the shooting on Detroit's west side.

"Now that that coward's been caught, pray for my sister, she should not have to go through this," said Freland Pridge's aunt at the vigil.

Graham will be back in court Dec. 7 for a conference and Dec. 13 for his preliminary exam. If he is convicted on these charges, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.