Former NBA G League Player's Vegas Court Arraignment in Woman's Killing Investigation

On Monday, October 2, 2023, during the NBA basketball team's media day in Sacramento, California, centre Chance Comanche of the Sacramento.Photo byJosé Luis Villegas

In a harrowing turn of events, Chance Comanche, a former player in the NBA developmental league, finds himself entangled in a disturbing case alongside his ex-girlfriend, Sakari Harnden. Their alleged involvement in the tragic death of Marayna Rodgers, a 23-year-old medical assistant from Lynnwood, Washington, has sent shockwaves through the community.

The story unfolded in Las Vegas, where Rodgers was found deceased last month; her body was discovered in a ditch in suburban Henderson. Las Vegas law enforcement confirmed that Rodgers had been strangled to death on December 6th, marking a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking incident.

Chance Comanche, aged 27 and previously associated with the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League, faced the consequences of this tragedy. Following his arrest on December 15th in Sacramento, California, he was recently transferred to the Clark County Detention Centre in Las Vegas. His impending court appearance on Tuesday loomed, sparking curiosity and concern regarding the unfolding legal proceedings.

Amidst this tumultuous situation, Comanche's defence attorney, Gary Guymon, maintained silence regarding the case, refraining from commenting on the matter before the scheduled court appearance. Simultaneously, Sakari Harnden, Comanche's former partner and another implicated individual in the case, awaited her own preliminary hearing, scheduled for the following day in Las Vegas.

The abrupt termination of Comanche's association with the Stockton Kings swiftly followed his arrest, marking a stark and significant change in his career trajectory. The Sacramento Kings' NBA G League affiliate took decisive action, severing ties with the 6-foot-10 power forward and centre following the distressing turn of events.

The circumstances surrounding Rodgers' tragic demise and the subsequent legal proceedings have cast a sombre shadow over the sports community and beyond. The once-promising career of Comanche now hangs in the balance, overshadowed by the weight of these grave allegations.

As the judicial process commences, the search for justice and closure for Marayna Rodgers and her grieving loved ones remains at the forefront. The court proceedings in Las Vegas will serve as a pivotal moment, shedding light on the details of this distressing incident and the fate that awaits those accused in this tragic affair.