Former NFL Player Darron Lee Held Without Bond in Murder Case
Chattanooga, TN – Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker, will remain in jail without bond as he faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his girlfriend. The ruling was made by a Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge on Wednesday. Lee is also charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence.
Lee, who previously played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills, was taken into custody last week following an investigation into the death. Prosecutors have indicated that the circumstances of the case could potentially lead to consideration of the death penalty.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp emphasized that no final decision has been made regarding seeking the death penalty. However, he pointed out factors that could make the case eligible for capital punishment.
“Mr. Lee was in a home with a female (who) was, for lack of a better term, beaten to death,” Wamp stated in court, arguing against granting bond. “And the explanation that he gave doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”
According to Detective Brian Lockhart of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the scene at the rental home where the incident occurred was disturbing. The victim was found on the floor, and there was extensive blood throughout the house, including on the walls, handrail, and stairs.
“You walked in the door, there were boxes,” Det. Lockhart said. “A lot of stuff in the living room. The deceased was in the floor lying on her back… There was blood going up the staircase. On the hand railing there was blood. On the walls, there was blood. On the floor in the living room there was blood. On the floor in the hallway and the stairs.”
The victim had been residing with Lee at the rental property. Investigators believe the crime occurred over a period of about 10 days.
Det. Lockhart, who was present during the autopsy, testified that the potential cause of death was blunt force trauma. The official autopsy report has not been released at this time.
First responders were called to the Ooltewah home on February 5 after a report of CPR in progress. Upon arrival, they found the woman deceased.
According to an arrest affidavit, Lee told deputies that the woman may have fallen in the shower. However, the significant amount of blood found in various locations throughout the house was inconsistent with his statement.
The affidavit also detailed the extensive trauma to the woman’s body, which included a stab wound to the abdomen, a possible bite mark on her shoulder, a large bruise on her head, black eyes with significant swelling, and dried blood on her face and neck. Investigators also found alcohol, narcotics, and a gun at the scene.
The affidavit noted that Lee had injuries, including a facial injury, cuts on his hands, wounds on his chest, and blood inside his cellphone case.
Authorities also discovered evidence suggesting that attempts had been made to clean up blood in multiple areas of the house. Cleaning supplies were found near locations where testing confirmed the presence of blood stains, although the blood was no longer visible.
District Attorney Wamp noted that Lee was on probation in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery, and in Ohio for attempted battery.
Mike Little, the deputy public defender representing Lee, has stated that it is premature to make any statements regarding the case.
Lee’s next court appearance is scheduled for next month. The investigation is ongoing.
