Texas College football player charged with murder

Carlton Ray Champion Jr. has been charged with the murder of Tyrone Underwood, the Tyler Morning Telegraph reported.

Police found Underwood dead in his vehicle on Jan. 26 from multiple gunshot wounds.

People who knew both men indicated they had been involved in a relationship.

Tyler police retrieved text messages from the night of the murder that showed an argument between the two, culminating with Underwood telling Champion he did not want to continue the relationship.

Champion had been arrested on Jan. 29 for a probation violation, but was considered the prime suspect from the start of the investigation. A police department employee who knew Underwood knew that he had been dating a man who played football at Texas College, which helped them connect the dots to Champion.

Champion is being held in Gregg County jail facing first-degree murder charges. Judge Christi Kennedy placed a $1-million bond on him.