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Former New York Jets first-round pick Darron Lee was arrested on Thursday and has since been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend.
Lee, 31, was the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft after a standout career with the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, he spent just three seasons in New York and was out of the league by 2021.
According to the Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residence Thursday afternoon to report a CPR in progress. First responders located a woman and attempted life-saving measures, but it was determined that she was deceased.
The death was immediately ruled a homicide, and the victim had suffered both head trauma and a stab wound to the abdomen. Lee also stands accused of tampering with evidence in the case after forensic testing found that blood had been cleaned up in parts of the home, and investigators noted cleaning supplies were left in unusual places.
It also marks Lee’s second arrest, following an arrest on charges of domestic violence in 2023.
Darron Lee Ruled Primary Suspect In Murder Of His Girlfriend
According to investigators, Lee informed them that he found his girlfriend injured on the couch and suspected that she had fallen in the shower.
However, the investigators noted that the location and amount of blood found in the home did not line up with Lee’s account of the events. They also noted Lee appeared to have injuries consistent with a physical struggle.
Neither Lee nor his representation have offered a statement at this time.