Ex-NFL Linebacker Charged with Murder, Found with Visible Injuries
A former linebacker for the New York Jets is now in police custody, charged with murder following the suspicious death of his girlfriend. Darron Lee, 31, was discovered with scratches on his face and hands, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On February 5, deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call at approximately 1:30 p.m. regarding “life-saving measures” being administered at a residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Despite their attempts, the woman—whose identity remains undisclosed—was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later identified what appeared to be a stab wound to her abdomen, along with multiple bruises and a bite mark on her shoulder.
During the investigation, Lee claimed he found his girlfriend unconscious and speculated that she might have fallen while showering. However, police noted discrepancies in his account, particularly given the “concerning conditions” at the scene. Broken glass littered the kitchen, and blood was found on various surfaces, including Lee’s cell phone case. The injuries on Lee’s body suggested he had been involved in a physical altercation.
Detectives quickly concluded that the woman’s death was likely a homicide. Lee was arrested later that day and charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, he faces charges for tampering with evidence after allegedly attempting to clean blood stains from the scene, as detailed in a police affidavit.
Lee’s football career began with promise; he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2016 after a standout college career. He played for the Jets for two to three years before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and later signing with the Buffalo Bills. However, his professional journey has been marred by suspensions related to performance-enhancing drugs and other substance abuse violations.
In 2023, Lee faced legal troubles again when he was arrested for domestic abuse. Reports indicated he pushed a woman against a wall and struck her multiple times. In another incident, he allegedly threw a phone at a different woman, causing injury.
Currently, Lee is being held at the Hamilton County Jail without bail, with his next court appearance set for February 11.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
For those struggling with substance abuse issues, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
