Former first-round pick Darron Lee charged with first-degree murder of girlfriend

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday. Lee also faces a charge of tampering with evidence.

Lee, 31, was identified as a suspect and was arrested at the scene Thursday. According to the release, officers responded to a residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee, where first responders located the victim and attempted life-saving measures before he was pronounced deceased.

Additional charges may be laid following the investigation. Lee is being held at the Hamilton County Jail, according to inmate records, and his court date is set for Feb. 11.

Lee was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets at 20th overall. Lee also played for the Kansas City Chiefs (2019) and Buffalo Bills (2020). He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, but did not appear in any games after being placed on injured reserve before the 2021 campaign. In college, Lee was a standout at Ohio State and helped lead the defense during the Buckeyes’ run to the 2014 national championship.

Lee was arrested in 2023 on charges of assault and domestic violence. According to the arrest report, Lee pushed a woman “against the wall, knocking her to the ground and striking her face and head 8 to 9 times with his closed fists.”