Suspect arrested after body of man killed at Phoenix hotel found in car trunk

PHOENIX — A man suspected of killing a victim in a Phoenix hotel, hiding his body in a trunk and driving from the scene last week has been arrested, authorities announced Friday.

Charlie Exodus Carldwell, 26, was taken into custody on Wednesday, four days after an officer with the Phoenix Police Department received a tip about a homicide.

When the officer arrived at the crime scene near 24th and Van Buren streets, the body was gone.

During the investigation, officers located a suspect vehicle in the area of 25th and Adams streets. There, officers found the body of 44-year-old Derek Standridge in the trunk.

The Phoenix Police Department’s Homicide Unit took over the investigation.

After processing the crime scene, detectives confirmed the homicide took place in a hotel room near 24th and Van Buren streets on March 26. The officer received the tip two days later.

Carldwell was booked on multiple charges, including murder.

Investigators currently don’t believe any other suspects were involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

Related

Peoria man called police after killing his parents with hammer and knifePhoenix Police release names of 2 people killed in apparent murder-suicideMore than 20 unaccounted for after flash flooding at Grand CanyonClosure of northbound SR 51 extended for pavement improvement projectMan dead after chain reaction crash involving 3 vehicles in west PhoenixChild dies after rollover golf cart crash near Anthem