DaVonte Neal, Idaho State assistant football coach, charged with murder

Idaho State assistant football coach DaVonte’ Neal has been taken into custody and charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with the killing of a man in Arizona in 2017, authorities said on Thursday. 

Neal was arrested outside his apartment on May 25 by Pocatello police on a warrant from Maricopa County. He has been charged with one count each of first-degree murder, drive-by-shooting, and discharging a firearm at a structure, The Idaho State Journal reported. He is currently being held without bail at the Bannock County Jail in the eastern Idaho city awaiting extradition to Arizona. Details regarding the 2017 murder were not revealed.

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The accused played college football at the University of Arizona. He joined the Idaho team as cornerbacks coach in January this year along with the rest of the Bengals’ new coaching staff.

Idaho State University said it had placed the accused on administrative leave and had initiated proceedings to terminate his contract.

“I have been in constant contact with (ISU head coach Charlie Ragle) who has known DaVonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” Athletic Director Pauline Thiros told the newspaper.

“The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. Going forward, we will cooperate in every way possible.”

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University President Kevin Satterlee said that “Idaho State takes all allegations involving our employees very seriously, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our community.”

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The university said in a press release on Thursday that a background check on Neal before he was hired came back clean.

“All Idaho State employees are required to undergo a criminal background check before employment,” ISU said.

“Neal’s background check was clear and he was approved for work when hired in January.”