Murder charges of Spokane Empire star’s alleged killer upgraded to first degree

Ricky L. Tanner is now facing first-degree murder charges in the Oct. 8 shooting death of former Spokane Empire star Carl Sims.

Tanner, 25, is accused of shooting Sims in the leg in downtown Spokane after a scuffle Tanner allegedly started at Lucky’s bar. Sims, 31, was hospitalized before succumbing to the wound.

Tanner, who has a history of gun-related violence in Spokane that includes involvement in a gang-related drive-by shooting in 2015, was initially charged with second-degree murder.

Tanner is currently in Spokane County Jail on $1 million bond.

In the state of Washington, a defendant is charged with first-degree degree murder when evidence suggests there was premeditated intent to cause the death. If convicted, Tanner would be sentenced to nothing less than life in prison.

Sims, a Milwaukee native, was second all-time in Indoor Football League career receiving yards (5,046) and third all-time in touchdown receptions (111). He was signed by the Spokane Empire in 2016.