A Tucson man faces a second-degree murder charge weeks after allegedly stabbing his friend multiple times during a March 17 altercation, police say.
Rafael Buckner, 58, was initially arrested for aggravated assault after the alleged altercation with 57-year-old Marlon Hartley, who was staying for several days at Buckner's home in the 3600 block of South Calle Polar.
When officers arrived around 11 p.m., Buckner waived them to his home where they found Hartley with obvious signs of sharp force trauma, a Tucson Police Department news release said. He also told officers of his involvement in the incident.
Hartley was taken in life-threatening condition to Banner University Medical Center and later succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Detectives determined the two friends were drinking alcohol at the home when the altercation occurred, the news release said.
On Thursday, Buckner's assault charge was dismissed and replaced with one count of second-degree murder.
