In January 2024, prosecutors decided that former NBA developmental league player, Chance Comanche, 27, and his ex-girlfriend, Sakari Harnden, 19, would face trial together in connection with the murder of 23-year-old Marayna Rodgers in southern Nevada.
The tragic incident took place on December 6, 2023, when Marayna Rodgers, a medical assistant, was found strangled, and her remains were discovered in a roadside ditch in suburban Henderson, Las Vegas.
The NBA-G league power forward and center was dropped by the Stockton Kings following his arrest, just a day after he tallied 16 points and six rebounds in a game against the G League Henderson Ignite.
A recent Clark County grand jury indictment, dated March 7, charges Chance Comanche and Sakari Harnden with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, all involving the use of a deadly weapon.
Chance Comanche confessed to the murder, citing a dispute over a Rolex watch as the motive. According to grand jury transcripts, Marayna Rodgers had expressed intentions to harm Sakari Harnden if she didn’t receive the watch.
Police uncovered messages between Comanche and Harnden, dating back to December 1, planning the kidnapping and murder of Rodgers. The chilling details of the final moments reveal Comanche’s claim of engaging in “kinky sex” and using zip ties on Rodgers’ hands. Comanche admitted to strangling Rodgers with an HDMI cord, and when she started making noises, Harnden continued the assault.
Grand jury transcripts have also exposed the identity of a potential third individual with knowledge of the purported murder scheme. The person in question, Travion Carter, a friend of Comanche from the basketball community, was named during the grand jury proceedings. Notably, there are no charges filed against Carter in relation to the ongoing murder investigation.
Comanche cooperated with the police, providing information about the location where they disposed of Rodgers’ remains. The accused, who had a prior dating history are scheduled for an initial arraignment in Clark County District Court on March 13 and remain in custody.
Sakari Harnden faces an unrelated theft charge for stealing a Rolex, with negotiations in progress. Their next court appearance is scheduled for May 15.
