Police: NBA Star's Brother Could Face Murder Charges

Witnesses Say They Saw Man Leaving Boat

The FBI and French police are considering murder charges in connection with the disappearance of former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls player, Bison Dele.

WHERE'S BISON? Web site devoted to finding Bison Dele and Serena Karlan

Authorities continue to look for the NBA star's brother, Miles Dabord, in connection with Dele's disappearance. Dele's girlfriend, Serena Karlan and one of the boat's crew members are also missing.

Witnesses tell police that Dabord, also known as Kevin Williams, left on the same boat with Dele and Karlan, but returned alone. They were scheduled to sail from Tahiti to Honolulu with boat captain Bernard Saldo.

Neither Dele, Karlan or Saldo has been reported being seen since July 8.

Police say they have found Dele's boat, the Hukuna Matata, repainted and with a new name.

A police report issued last week stated, report said Dabord was questioned by Phoenix police last week, according to family members, after he allegedly tried to pose as his missing brother and buy $150,000 in gold coins.

The Williams brothers' mother, Patricia Phillips, told a Phoenix newspaper that Dabord called her Tuesday and Wednesday, telling her he didn't want to go to prison and that he wanted her to believe his story.

"I need to know that you love me before I die," Kevin told his mother, according to a quote in the article.

Philips told the newspaper that authorities told her Dabord (pictured, right) might have fled to Mexico. Philips also said she had received an e-mail from Dele months ago, informing her that Kevin would return to the United States in early July.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it was nearly impossible to carry out a search for the missing catamaran because Dele had not filed detailed travel plans.

Dabord was arrested, according to the newspaper report, after arriving at a Phoenix bank and allegedly identifying himself as his brother. Police questioned him but later released him because there was not enough evidence to press charges, they said.

Previous Stories:

• September 12, 2002: Report: FBI Probes Dele Disappearance
• September 10, 2002: Former NBA Star Reportedly Missing

Copyright 2002 by 10News.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.