Ray Watkins, 53, co-owner of The Astrology Store in Glendale, Arizona, was shot and killed on January 25, 2020 while closing the shop near 59th and Glendale avenues. Police say a man known to Watkins and staff arrived at the locked front door, went around the rear of the building, and in the alley encountered Watkins and a female employee. Watkins suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was reportedly stomped; he was pronounced dead in the alley after first responders arrived.

Employees at the scene identified 21-year-old Sean Patrick Davidson as the assailant. Later that night Davidson was taken into custody after a pursuit and crash near Interstate 10 and Miller Road; police allege he made statements at the hospital implicating himself in Watkins’ killing, saying he believed Watkins had sexually assaulted him in his sleep and claiming he had bought the handgun earlier that day and had intended also to kill Watkins’ husband before fleeing. Davidson was booked on charges including first-degree murder with a two-million-dollar cash-only bond.

Anyone who knew Ray Watkins, worked at The Astrology Store, or has information about the alleyway encounter or movements around 59th and Glendale avenues that evening is asked to come forward.