Police arrest man suspected of killing Special Olympics athlete in Scottsdale

PHOENIX — Police arrested a man suspected of killing a member of the Special Olympics team in Scottsdale earlier in the week, authorities said.

John Merryman, 38, was arrested without incident Friday morning after detectives launched an investigation Sunday morning into the death of Scott Harkness, the Scottsdale Police Department said in a press release.

Harkness was found shot on the side of the road near Hayden and Camelback roads after gunshots were reported around 1 a.m., according to police.

He died at a local hospital from his injuries, police said.

Detectives said during the investigation, a weapon was found near the crime scene, which has been forensically linked to Harkness’ injuries and to Merryman.

They received confirmation linking the weapon to Merryman on Feb. 10.

Merryman will be booked into Fourth Avenue Jail on one count of first-degree murder.

No additional information was made available.

Related

Scottsdale police hunting for killer of 'beloved' Special Olympics athleteArizona man gets life sentence for fatal shooting in 2024Safe and sound: 83-year-old missing hiker rescued from Grand Canyon’s North RimAndy Biggs responds to question about legitimacy of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ 2022 electionMaking shopping for back-to-school supplies easier for Phoenix-area parentsSAFE Alert issued for missing 69-year-old man last seen in Phoenix