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Arizona Rattlers player killed in east Phoenix shooting

Posted 12/19/19

Police are investigating after Arizona Rattlers defensive lineman Lance McDowdell was killed in a shooting.

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Arizona Rattlers player killed in east Phoenix shooting

Posted

Police are investigating after an Arizona Rattlers player was killed in a shooting.

The incident happened around 1:40 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20 near 44th Street and Thomas Road.

Police said Lance McDowdell, 25, was found shot in the driveway of an apartment complex. He was transported to a hospital where he later died.

In a release, police said detectives have very little to go on. Anyone with information concerning this case can contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6141 or Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.

The Arizona Rattlers confirmed Mr. McDowdell’s death in a statement.

“Lance represented the Rattlers organization with pride and dedication, and we send our condolences to his family during this time,” according to the statement. “Due to this being an ongoing criminal investigation, the Rattlers will respect the investigation and will not have any further comments until the investigation is completed.”

Mr. McDowdell was a defensive lineman for the team and was one of nine Rattlers selected to the All-Indoor Football League first and second teams in 2019, according to the team’s website from July.

Second homicide 2 hours later

Less than two hours after the shooting involving Mr. McDowdell, Phoenix police were already investigating a second incident less than 4 miles away.

The second shooting happened around 3:20 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20 near 24th Street and McDowell Road.

Phoenix police said David Morales, 23, was found lying in the parking lot of an apartment complex with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A suspect was not located, but was described as a black male in his 20s or 30s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with curly black hair and a beard. He was wearing a dark-colored hat with a white emblem, and a blue-and-white hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information on the case can call 602-262-6141 or 480-948-6377.