A 21-year-old is facing a first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of a Glendale business owner.

Around 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, Glendale police and fire officials responded to a shooting near 59th and Glendale avenues.

Police said the first responding officers arrived on scene and found a suspect fleeing through a business complex. However, they did not locate the suspect.

Officers also found Ray Watkins, 53, with severe head trauma in an  alleyway behind The Astrology Store, which he and his husband co-owned. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police learned a suspect, who was known to Mr. Watkins and other employees of the business, had arrived just after the business closed and tried to enter through the front door.

When the suspect located the locked front door, he went around to the back where he encountered Mr. Watkins and a female employee. There, the suspect shot Mr. Watkins in the head and stomped on him before returning to the front and breaking the glass door. A male employee was hiding inside, but the suspect then fled on foot.

Employees identified the suspect as Sean Patrick Davidson, 21. Police began researching Mr. Davidson and developed information on locations and vehicles that were associated with him.

Shortly after officers shared that information with Valley law enforcement, Glendale police were contacted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, who indicated that they had a similar vehicle and its driver in custody at a hospital following a pursuit and crash that night near Interstate 10 and Miller Road.

When Glendale police followed up and went to the hospital, they located Mr. Davidson.

Police said Mr. Davidson allegedly made statements implicating himself in the homicide. Police said they found other evidence corroborating his involvement.

According to court records, Mr. Davidson allegedly said he shot and killed Mr. Watkins because he felt that Mr. Watkins was sexually assaulting him in his sleep." Mr. Davidson said he bought the handgun he allegedly used earlier in the day and had planned to kill Mr. Watkins' husband when broke the front window. However, he said he changed his mind and fled as police responded.

Mr. Davidson was in the hospital but was booked into jail Monday in lieu of a $2 million cash-only bond. He faces first-degree murder and other charges.

In a statement, Chief Chris Briggs addressed the three shootings that occurred near Glendale Avenue.

“Over the weekend, the City experienced three unrelated shootings in a short period of time,” Mr. Briggs stated. “We understand that when a series of violent crimes occur so closely together, the community grows concerned.

“I want to assure our residents, businesses and visitors that Glendale is safe and that we are committed to protecting the lives and property of the people we serve.

“While law enforcement could not have prevented these shootings, it is a good reminder that we are partners with our community, and we encourage everyone to report crimes and suspicious behavior and if you ‘see something, say something.’”