Ex-NFL Star Darron Lee Arrested For Murder After Girlfriend Found Dead In Tennessee

A former first-round draft pick was detained without bond after a domestic incident at the Ooltewah residence.

A domestic call that escalated into a homicide inquiry has put a former NFL linebacker in major legal hot water. Darron Lee, 31, was arrested on Thursday and charged with first-degree murder after his girlfriend died.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were called to a residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee, after receiving a report that someone was administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. First responders discovered a woman in critical condition upon arrival, however she did not survive their efforts to save her.

Although the victim’s name has not yet been made public, investigators quickly named Lee as the main suspect. The condition of the house and the victim’s wounds were deemed to be consistent with a homicide by the investigating investigators. Lee has been charged with murder and also faces a count of tampering with evidence. According to reports from the scene, there were indications in multiple parts of the house that someone had attempted to wipe up blood before the police arrived. Due to the gravity of the matter, Lee is being held without bond while he awaits his initial court appearance.

Once a top recruit out of Ohio State, Lee was one of football’s most promising young players. He spent three seasons playing with the New York Jets after being selected with the 20th overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft. His career with the Buffalo Bills ended in 2020, but he later joined the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was a member of the team that won Super Bowl LIV.

After being accused with domestic abuse in 2023, the former athlete has a history of legal troubles, including this most recent arrest. Lee’s court appearance is set for February 11.