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Darron Lee, a former first-round pick of the New York Jets, was arrested Thursday and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee responded to a residence Thursday afternoon after receiving a call about CPR in progress. Deputies found a woman at the scene — first responders tried to save her, but she was pronounced dead.
Lee was taken into custody as the primary suspect.
The 31-year-old linebacker was selected 20th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft following a strong college career at Ohio State. His time with the Jets lasted just three seasons; he was out of the league by 2021.
Investigators ruled the death a homicide immediately. The victim had suffered head trauma and a stab wound to the abdomen, according to the sheriff’s office.
Lee also faces charges of tampering with evidence. Forensic testing revealed that blood had been cleaned up in parts of the home, and investigators found cleaning supplies left in unusual places.
According to investigators, Lee told them he discovered his girlfriend injured on the couch and believed she had fallen in the shower.
That account didn’t match the evidence. The location and amount of blood found throughout the residence contradicted Lee’s version of events, investigators noted. They also observed that Lee had injuries consistent with a physical struggle.
This marks Lee’s second arrest — he was previously arrested on domestic violence charges in 2023.
Neither Lee nor his legal representation have issued a statement.
