Two suspects are now facing charges in a deadly drug deal in Phoenix after police released a third person from custody, saying he was not tied to the fatal shooting.

Camden Oberndorfer, 19, and Francisco Gonzales, 20, face charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy.

Phoenix police have been investigating the Dec. 3 death of Matthew Chamberlain, 19, after someone spotted him on the ground in the area of 64th Street and Thunderbird Road. He was pronounced dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Witnesses reported seeing two suspects fleeing the scene after the shooting.

Investigators had been working to identify the suspects and a motive in the shooting.

According to records, investigators learned the area where Mr. Chamberlain was found is known for illicit drug activity since the roadway was not well-lit and bordered an open desert area. Mr. Chamberlain had been selling marijuana from his apartment and arranged meets via Snapchat, records state.

Authorities later learned Mr. Chamberlain had arranged to meet with a Snapchat user with the name of “Camden.”

An Instagram profile provided to police showed the alleged suspect using a booking mug as his account photo. Police determined him to be Camden Oberndorfer. He previously served time in prison for criminal trespassing, is on probation, and is a prohibited possessor of firearms.

Police searched Mr. Oberndorfer’s residence on Monday, finding evidence linking him to the shooting. However, Mr. Oberndorfer denied knowing anything about a shooting but admitted to buying marijuana from Mr. Chamberlain.

Mr. Oberndorfer later said he conspired to rob Mr. Chamberlain of wax and marijuana, records state. He claimed his friend shot Mr. Chamberlain while Mr. Oberndorfer tried to pull a bag from the victim. 

Police said Mr. Oberndorfer claimed that friend was a 20-year-old who was arrested Tuesday at his home near 56th Street and Shea Boulevard.

However, Phoenix police sent an email Wednesday night stating that second suspect was arrested based on information available at the time. Police then said new information was revealed which  precipitated his release from jail. Phoenix police asked to remove the name and photo of the previous suspect.

"Information was developed, which convinced detectives that he was in fact not involved in the crime and that Oberndorfer had fabricated the story implicating [the second alleged suspect], Phoenix police stated Friday. " Detectives immediately worked with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and had [the second alleged suspect] released from jail."

As police continued investigating, Francisco Gonzales was identified as a suspect.  He was taken into custody and admitted involvement during an interview, according to a release.

Court records state Mr. Gonzales told police he and Mr. Oberndorfer have robbed people of their drugs in the past. Police learned of Mr. Gonzales' involvement after he told Mr. Oberndorfer's mother that he was with her son the night of the homicide.

According to azfamily.com, the other alleged suspect, who was released with charges dropped, told the news station that he was being coaxed into confessing to the crime. However, he said he was at a dispensary at the time of the shooting and had receipts to prove his whereabouts.  He also did not know Mr. Oberndorfer.

Mr. Oberndorfer and Mr. Gonzales are jailed in lieu of $500,000 bonds.