Idaho State assistant football coach charged with first-degree murder in Arizona
Idaho State University assistant football coach DaVonte’ Neal has been arrested on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, over an incident that occurred in Arizona several years ago, Bannock County officials told the Idaho Statesman by phone.
Neal, who joined the Bengals as a coach earlier this year, is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, on three charges: first-degree murder, dangerous drive-by shooting and dangerous discharge of a weapon, according to the Bannock County Bonds and Fines Office. The Idaho State Journal first reported on the charges, which stem from a 2017 killing.
In a Wednesday news release, Idaho State University said Neal has been placed on leave and is “no longer a part of ISU’s football program.” The process to terminate Neal’s employment contract has already begun, according to the university, but he will remain on leave until that is finalized, which the university said should happen “quickly.”
“Idaho State takes all allegations involving our employees very seriously, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our community,” Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee said in the release. “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation.”
All ISU employees are required to undergo a criminal background check before employment, the release said. Neal’s background check was clear when he joined the university in January to be cornerbacks coach as a member of new head coach Charlie Ragle’s staff.
The warrant was issued for Neal in Maricopa County last month.
“I have been in constant contact with Coach Ragle, who has known DaVonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” ISU athletic director Pauline Thiros said in the release. “The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. Going forward, we will cooperate in every way possible, safeguard our program and culture, support each other and our students, and allow the legal process to work. The news is devastating, and we hope for a resolution for all involved.”
Neal was a cornerback for the Arizona Wildcats from 2013 to 2015, according to the University of Arizona’s website.
As of Thursday, he was in custody at the Bannock County Jail without bond, according to online court records. The State Journal reported that Neal was indicted by a grand jury in Maricopa County on May 16.
Neal is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County, according to a Thursday news release from the Pocatello Police Department.
In a statement Thursday, posted on social media by Idaho State Journal reporter Greg Woods, Ragle said he’s known Neal since Neal was 16.
“I’ve watched him grow and I believed he was ready for this opportunity to better his career and his life,” Ragle said. “I understand that this is not a good look for our program ... For that, I’m sorry.”
The allegations were “devastating for everybody involved,” Ragle said.
“Now we must sit back and let the wheels of justice take its course,” he said.
A spokesperson with Bannock County told the Statesman that Neal was arrested after Arizona authorities advised local law enforcement of the warrant.
Multiple spokespeople with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office didn’t immediately respond to the Statesman’s request for additional information Thursday afternoon.
This story was originally published June 2, 2022 at 3:55 PM.
