PHOENIX - Authorities are holding a man on $1 million bond in connection with the mid November shooting death of a woman found behind an east Phoenix convenience market.

According to Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump, the shooting motive appears to have been related to a gift card scam.

Crump said the body of 30-year-old Mary Steyer was found around 7:30 a.m. on November 17th behind a convenience market near 20th Street and Thomas Road. She had apparently suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

Three days later, homicide detectives arrested 25-year-old Cesar Chacon as a suspect. According to Crump, Chacon appeared to be impaired on drugs when he was taken into custody.

Crump said Chacon told officers he felt he had been defrauded by the victim over the value of a gift card he had purchased from her. Crump said the card was worth less than $50.

Officers said the card may have been activated incorrectly and Steyer likely did not know about it.

Mary's family released this statement to ABC15 Monday:

"On behalf of the entire Steyer family, we wish to thank the residents of the Green Gables Community. Although they did not know our daughter, they showed tremendous compassion and love for her as well as our family. We would also like to thank the Phoenix Police Department for their dedication and swift action that led to the capture and arrest of our daughter’s killer. Our daughter will remain in our hearts as the loving, kind and compassionate person she always was. At this time, we would appreciate that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. Know that our hearts go out to other families who have lost a loved one as a result of a violent and senseless act."
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region...man%27s-murder