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Man accused of shooting former CU football player being held without bond

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ARAPAHOE COUNTY – The man accused of killing a former University of Colorado Buffaloes football player and assistant principal TJ Cunningham made his first court appearance Tuesday.

Cunningham, 46, was shot several times by his neighbor, Marcus Alan Johnson, after an ongoing argument over a parking spot, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.

The two men lived near Eaglecrest High School close to Centennial City limits.

Cunningham worked at Hinkley High School in Aurora. Besides playing for CU, Cunningham also played football for the Seattle Seahawks.

Johnson, 31, is being held without bond at the Arapahoe County Detention Center on suspicion of first-degree murder.

“I think one of the most important things to remember at this early stage of the proceedings is that even though we see him [Johnson] in custody in an orange jumpsuit and we’re talking about a no bond hold he [Johnson] has to remain presumed innocent of these particular charges,” George Brauchler, 18th Judicial District Attorney, said.

Formal charges are expected to be filed Friday morning.