Third arrest made in slaying of popular college baseball player

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the murder of a beloved college baseball player on Father's Day in west Charlotte.

[PAST COVERAGE: Mother of slain baseball player: 'We are broken']

Detectives told Channel 9 Thursday morning that Demonte McCain, 17, was charged with the murder of Zachary Finch.

Investigators said information and evidence gathered during the course of the investigation led them to identifying McCain as a suspect.

McCain has been charged with murder, attempted robbery with dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery with dangerous weapon.

In July, police arrested two 15-year-olds in connection with the homicide.

Finch, 21, was a student and baseball player at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He listed his hometown as Mint Hill. His family is from Florida, but moved to Mint Hill two years ago.

[Photos of Zack Finch]

Investigators said Finch was shot and killed while trying to buy a cellphone using a buying and selling app called Letgo.

Every 10 days, for the last three months, Tara Finch has come to court with a picture of her son.

Zach Finch’s family tells judge that the juveniles charged with killing him should not get out of jail.

“Zachary doesn't get to go home, so they shouldn't get to go home, either,” Tara Finch said.

“He was a good kid. You would never think something like this would happen,” Jerry Finch, Zachary’s father, said.

At his first appearance in court Thursday afternoon, the judge refused to consider letting McCain out of jail until he has a bond hearing set for next month.

The Finch family promised to return in 10 days, and 10 days after that.

“It'll never be easier,” Tara Finch said. “If Zach could come home, it would be easier, but it was senseless and it was for nothing.”

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