Former NFL Player Darron Lee Charged With Murder

On the afternoon of February 5, 2026, a quiet neighborhood in Ooltewah, Tennessee, became the focus of national attention after the tragic death of a woman inside her home. The case quickly drew headlines not just for its disturbing details, but because the primary suspect was Darron Lee—a former first-round NFL draft pick and standout linebacker at Ohio State University.

According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a residence on Snow Cone Way at approximately 1:34 p.m. after a report of CPR in progress. The home, located about 25 miles east of Chattanooga and roughly two hours from Nashville, was soon swarming with law enforcement and emergency personnel. First responders discovered a woman’s body exhibiting clear signs of severe trauma. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity has been withheld pending notification of her family, as reported by USA Today.

The lead suspect, Darron Lee, 31, was present when deputies arrived. Lee, whose date of birth in the Hamilton County booking system matches the ESPN profile of the former NFL player, told deputies he had found his girlfriend unconscious on the couch and speculated she might have fallen in the shower. However, investigators quickly found evidence that did not align with Lee’s version of events. According to the affidavit cited by NewsChannel 9, there were no signs of forced entry, but deputies noticed broken glass in the kitchen, blood evidence in several areas of the house, and cleaning supplies in unusual places. The amount and distribution of blood reportedly contradicted Lee’s explanation.

Lee was detained at the scene while deputies secured the home and obtained a search warrant. Detectives observed that Lee had injuries consistent with a physical struggle, including marks on his face, hands, and chest. Blood was also found inside the case of his cell phone, and both his phone and clothing were seized as evidence. Forensic testing later showed that blood had been cleaned from several areas in the home, suggesting an attempt to conceal evidence. Alcohol, narcotics, and a firearm were also found at the residence, according to the affidavit.

The autopsy report, as detailed in the affidavit, listed multiple injuries to the victim: a suspected stab wound to the abdomen, severe bruising to her head and eyes, bruises on her arms and torso, and what appeared to be a human bite mark on her shoulder. These findings led investigators to conclude that the death was a homicide, and Lee was formally charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. The sheriff’s office noted that additional charges could be pending as the investigation continues.

According to The New York Post, Lee is currently being held without bond and has a court appearance scheduled for February 11, 2026. The case has not only shocked the local community but also reverberated through the sports world, given Lee’s once-promising career and his history of legal troubles.

Lee’s football journey began in New Albany, Ohio, where he played high school football before becoming a two-year starter at Ohio State. He was an integral part of the Buckeyes’ 2014 national championship team and was named the defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl win over Alabama. Lee declared for the NFL Draft after his sophomore season and was selected by the New York Jets as the 20th overall pick in 2016. Over three seasons with the Jets, Lee started 36 games, recording 241 tackles and three interceptions. He later played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019—the year they won Super Bowl LIV, although he was inactive for the game—and had a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2020. Lee also signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 but was released before the season began, as reported by Dispatch.

Despite his athletic success, Lee’s career was marred by off-field issues. NFL records show he was suspended four games in 2018 for a drug violation and again in 2020 for unspecified reasons. His legal troubles escalated in recent years. In April 2023, Lee was arrested for assault and domestic violence in Ohio, where he pushed a woman against a wall, threw her to the floor, and struck her face and head multiple times. Court records reviewed by The New York Post state, "Lee pushed a woman against the wall, throwing her to the floor and striking her face and head 8 to 9 times with his closed fists." He was found guilty, issued a no-contact order, and later accepted a plea deal in 2025 on misdemeanor charges of possessing a counterfeit controlled substance and aggravated assault, avoiding a felony domestic violence conviction. During the 2023 incident, police found Lee in possession of two bags of a white powder that lab testing confirmed as cocaine. He was sentenced to one day in jail, one year of probation, and a $500 fine, according to Dispatch.

Neighbors and fans alike have expressed shock and sadness at the developments. While the details are unsettling, many are struggling to reconcile the image of a celebrated athlete with the allegations now facing Lee. The sheriff’s office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of forensic testing and further evidence collection.

As the case moves through the courts, it brings renewed focus to the troubling intersection of domestic violence and professional sports. Lee’s history of prior arrests and NFL suspensions had already raised questions about the support structures in place for athletes facing personal and behavioral challenges. Advocates for domestic violence prevention have pointed out that high-profile cases such as this one highlight the urgent need for better intervention and accountability, both within and beyond the sports world.

The victim’s family, still awaiting official notification, is left to grapple with an unimaginable loss. The community in Ooltewah, meanwhile, is coming to terms with the disturbing reality that tragedy can strike anywhere—even in the most seemingly ordinary of places.

As more details emerge and the legal process unfolds, all eyes will remain on Hamilton County, where a once-promising football star now faces the gravest of charges, and a family seeks answers and justice for their loved one.