Ex-NBA G League player Chance Comanche during Sacramento Kings media dayImage: Former Sacramento Kings center Chance Comanche. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas, File)
Former NBA G League player Chance Comanche stands accused of murder and kidnapping in the death of 23-year-old Marayna Rodgers. After his transfer from Sacramento, California, Comanche is scheduled to appear in a Las Vegas court to face these serious allegations. This case has drawn significant attention due to Comanche’s professional basketball background and the gruesome nature of the crime.
The Arrest and Charges Against Chance Comanche
Chance Comanche, 27, was arrested in Sacramento on December 15th, 2023, and subsequently transferred to the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. He is charged with the murder and kidnapping of Marayna Rodgers, whose remains were discovered in a ditch outside of Las Vegas earlier that month. Comanche, who played for the Stockton Kings, the G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, was released by the team following his arrest. The timing of the alleged crime, shortly after the Stockton Kings played a game against the G League Henderson Ignite in Las Vegas, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Rodgers’ death.
The Role of Sakari Harnden
Comanche’s ex-girlfriend, 19-year-old Sakari Harnden, is also implicated in the case. Harnden faces separate charges related to Rodgers’ disappearance and death. Police allege that Harnden and Comanche lured Rodgers away from her friends before killing her. Harnden is currently being held in Las Vegas and awaits a preliminary hearing.
Image: Sakari Harnden appearing in court. (Rachel Aston/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)
The Victim: Marayna Rodgers
Marayna Rodgers, a 23-year-old medical assistant from Lynnwood, Washington, was the victim in this tragic case. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Rodgers was choked to death on December 6th, 2023. Her body was later found abandoned in Henderson, Nevada. The investigation into the motive behind her killing is ongoing.
The Legal Proceedings and Upcoming Court Appearances
Comanche is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Las Vegas. His defense attorney, Gary Guymon, has declined to comment on the case at this time. The legal proceedings are expected to be complex and closely scrutinized by the media and public. The upcoming court appearances for both Comanche and Harnden will be crucial in determining the next steps in this case.
Chance Comanche’s Basketball Career
Before his arrest, Comanche was a professional basketball player in the NBA G League. He played college basketball at the University of Arizona before going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft. He spent time with several G League teams, including the Windy City Bulls, the Agua Caliente Clippers, and most recently, the Stockton Kings. His professional basketball career is now overshadowed by the serious criminal charges he faces.
The Investigation and Key Evidence
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation into Rodgers’ death. Details surrounding the key evidence in the case have yet to be fully revealed. However, police statements indicate that they believe Rodgers was lured away from her friends before being killed. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to emerge as the legal proceedings progress.
The Impact on the Community
This case has sent shockwaves through both the basketball community and the wider Las Vegas area. The allegations against Comanche have raised concerns about violence and accountability within professional sports. The tragic loss of Marayna Rodgers has also deeply impacted her family and friends, who are seeking justice for her untimely death.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Marayna Rodgers
The case against Chance Comanche and Sakari Harnden is a complex and evolving legal matter. As the court proceedings unfold, more details about the circumstances surrounding Marayna Rodgers’ death are expected to come to light. The focus remains on seeking justice for Rodgers and holding those responsible for her death accountable. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of pursuing justice for victims of crime.