Maricopa County Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives arrested 41-year-old Cory Candler and booked him into the 4th Avenue Jail on a 2nd degree Murder charge after Candler shot and killed his father-in-law, 69-year-old Mark Wells at his home in Buckeye (11519 S. 209th Ave).
Sheriff’s dispatch received a 911 call from Candler yesterday evening, where he claimed to have shot and killed Wells hours before calling the Sheriff’s Office. Candler told Sheriff’s dispatch that he had a verbal argument with Wells before the shooting, and that the two physically fought over the gun which ultimately killed Wells.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene and immediately took Candler into custody and found Wells’ body naked on a couch in the residence. He had blood smears and blood transfers covering his nude body and a close range gunshot wound to the head.
During an interview with Sheriff’s detectives, Candler admitted to shooting and killing Wells, and said that he called family in Missouri after the incident instead of calling 911. He admitted to detectives that he wanted to run from the deputies; however family members urged him to call 911.
Candler told deputies that he attempted CPR because he heard gurgling coming from Wells, however Wells body was found in a posed position on the couch not consistent with lifesaving procedures. Detectives also found that Candler had washed his hands and face before deputies arrival.
Cory Candler is currently being held in the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on a bond of $500,000.00