Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder after his girlfriend was found dead in Hamilton County, Tennessee
Former NFL Player Darron Lee Charged in Girlfriend’s Murder (Source: X/ @TMZ)
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Authorities confirmed that the woman’s body was discovered on Thursday near Ooltewah Elementary School. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), deputies responded to a home on Snow Cone Way on the afternoon of February 5 after receiving a report that CPR was being performed.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found an injured woman and immediately attempted to save her life. Despite their efforts, she died from her injuries.
Investigators later determined that her death was the result of a homicide, according to local media outlet WTVC. Following this finding, law enforcement began a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Darron Lee was taken into custody at the scene. He has been formally charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office stated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues and more evidence is reviewed.
Darron Lee is a former professional American football linebacker who previously played in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on October 18, 1994. Lee gained national recognition during his college football career at Ohio State University.
He was named the defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl after Ohio State defeated Alabama. Lee also played a key role in helping the Buckeyes secure a national championship that season.
Lee declared for the NFL Draft early and was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
After joining the New York Jets, Darron Lee went on to play for several NFL teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders.
While with the Chiefs, Lee won a Super Bowl, adding a major achievement to his professional football career. His time in the NFL included multiple seasons across different franchises before his playing career ended.
According to WTVC, Lee’s date of birth listed in the Hamilton County booking system matches the information on ESPN’s official profile of the former linebacker.
Authorities also confirmed that Lee had a history of domestic violence incidents before the latest arrest.
According to a 2023 arrest report, Lee allegedly pushed a woman against a wall, threw her to the ground, and punched her in the face and head eight to nine times.
In another separate incident, Lee reportedly threw a phone at a woman, striking her head and causing her ear to bleed. The report also alleges that he grabbed her neck and punched a pillow next to her head, leaving visible marks.
In 2025, Lee pleaded guilty to a reduced charge related to the domestic violence cases. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail, though 88 days were suspended.
Following his release, Lee was placed on probation, which was scheduled to last until February 2027.
The investigation into the girlfriend’s death remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about the victim or the exact cause of death.
Law enforcement officials said more information could be made public as the case progresses and court proceedings move forward.
