Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, according to an announcement from the Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office. The news was initially reported by Rich Cimini of ESPN via social media.
Darron Lee, who was the New York Jets’ first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, was taken into custody following an investigation by local authorities. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges on Friday, though specific details regarding the circumstances of the incident have not yet been fully disclosed to the public.
Lee, 29, spent the first three seasons of his professional career with the Jets before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. During his time in Kansas City, he was a member of the team that won Super Bowl LIV. He also had brief stints with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders during his NFL tenure. Prior to his professional career, Lee was a standout performer at Ohio State.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has not released further information regarding the victim's identity or the timeline of the investigation. Lee is currently being held as the legal proceedings begin in Tennessee. This arrest marks a tragic development for the former first-round selection whose NFL career concluded after the 2021 season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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