Former Sox prospect killed

Chandler police said the death was being treated as a homicide.

A man was being held by police for questioning. No charges had been filed as of early last night.

Stenson, 25, made his major league debut this season and played 37 games for the Reds. He hit .247 with three home runs and 13 RBIs.

Stenson was a third-round draft pick of the Red Sox in 1996 and was with the Boston organization until being waived prior to this past season. He was claimed off waivers by Cincinnati March 1.

"We extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to Dernell's family and his friends, teammates, and coaches," Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said.

Stenson was in the Phoenix area playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League.

Stenson's body was found after police received a call around 1:45 a.m. that shots had been fired. Witnesses told police a black SUV was seen leaving the area.

About 3:45 a.m., Mesa police found a vehicle matching the description -- it was registered to Stenson.

The man found driving the vehicle was being held by Chandler police.

"This is really awful," said Davona Vojovich, a friend of Stenson's who was outside Scottsdale Stadium, told the East Valley Tribune. "I can't believe this happened." The Arizona Fall League is designed to help develop some of baseball's top prospects. League officials canceled games yesterday and today.