Ex-Rutgers linebacker murdered man in ‘revenge killing,’ cops say

FLINT, MI — A former Rutgers football player has been charged with murder in what Michigan authorities call a "revenge killing."

Genevese County Prosecutor David Leyton said Lester Gene Liston Jr., 22, killed Larry Dunn on July 30 as revenge for another homicide. Dunn had previously been charged with killing Liston's friend, De'Arirst Richardson, according to the news site MLIve.com.

The report said Liston was also charged with felony firearm, possession with intent to deliver cocaine less than 50 grams, and careless discharge of a firearm causing injury or death.

Then-Coach Kyle Flood said in March of 2015 Liston, a linebacker, was had been dismissed — but didn't provide a reason. Liston told MLive.com at the time he left the Scarlet Knights and transferred to Northern Michigan University in Marquette to care for his son in Michigan. The report said Leyton had gained full custody of his son immediately after the child's birth.

Liston also told MLive.com at the time he didn't care much for Flood.

He had also been suspended one game during the 2014 season for violating team academic rules.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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