Suspect charged with murder of Arizona Rattlers player in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Phoenix police say they have identified a man they believe was responsible for the death of an Arizona Rattlers player last month.

Christopher Ayers III, 28, was booked into jail on unrelated charges after Lance McDowdell’s death on Dec. 20.

Police said they added a second-degree murder charge Monday after they developed probable cause through their investigation.

They said the motive is still unknown.

McDowdell, 25, was found shot outside of an apartment complex near Thomas Road and 44th Street around 1:40 a.m.

He was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

McDowdell was a defensive lineman for the indoor football team.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was created to raise money for his family.

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