Former MLB Pitcher Charles Haeger, Sought on Suspicion of Killing Ex-Girlfriend, Found Dead

Former MLB pitcher Charles Haeger took his own life less than a day after police said he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend in Arizona, according to Fox 10 Phoenix. Police found his body in northern Arizona.

Haeger's unoccupied vehicle was found Saturday found near Flagstaff in northern Arizona, police said. Authorities had probable cause to arrest Haeger on suspicion of murder and aggravated assault in the fatal shooting Friday, said Sgt. Ben Hoster, a Scottsdale Police Department spokesman.

The victim’s identity was not released.

Haeger was a pitcher drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2001, and he recorded a 6.40 ERA in 83 major-league innings while being one of the few players to rely on the knuckleball. His career included stints with the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodges organizations.

Hoster said investigators determined that a male roommate of the victim heard gunshots when he returned to the residence Friday and that moments later Haeger emerged from the victim’s bedroom with a handgun.

“Haeger then pointed the handgun at the roommate. The roommate quickly escaped out of the back of the residence, and he was able to get a neighbor to call 911,” Hoster said in a statement.

Responding police found the victim dead in her bedroom, Hoster said.