The life of a professional athlete took a shocking turn as former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, once celebrated for his defensive prowess at Ohio State and in the NFL, now faces serious criminal charges.
The 31-year-old is accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Ooltewah, Tennessee, an incident that has sent ripples through both the sports world and local community.
Authorities responded to a medical emergency at a residence, discovering the woman unresponsive. Despite immediate CPR efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed multiple injuries, and Darron Lee is also charged with tampering with evidence, with reports indicating blood was cleaned from various parts of the home. The victim’s identity remains undisclosed pending family notification.
A first-round pick by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL Draft, Lee signed a four-year contract worth $7.9 million guaranteed.
His career, marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of controversy, saw him leave the Jets in 2019, briefly join the Super Bowl LIV-winning Kansas City Chiefs, and later play for the Buffalo Bills in 2020.
Lee had faced prior assault and domestic violence allegations in 2023. He remains in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 11.
