Former New York Jets first-round pick Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence after allegedly murdering his girlfriend, per multiple outlets, including WTVC in Chattanooga, Tenn., and FOX17 in Nashville.
Per Fox17 Nashville, Lee’s girlfriend was found dead Thursday in a home near Ooltewah Elementary School in Hamilton County, Tennessee.
Detectives responded to the scene and said preliminary findings indicated the death was a homicide. Authorities later identified Lee as a suspect and arrested the 31-year-old.
After a standout career at Ohio State, Gang Green selected the linebacker with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He ultimately spent three seasons in the green and white.
All told, Lee appeared in 40 games (36 starts), posting 241 combined tackles (155 solo) and 11 pass deflections while forcing two fumbles.
He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders, last appearing in an NFL game during the 2020 season.
In his two seasons at Ohio State, Lee played in 28 games while tallying 90 solo tackles, 12.0 sacks, three interceptions, five pass breakups, and three forced fumbles, while earning second-team All-American honors during his sophomore season.
According to jail records obtained by TMZ, Lee is being held without bond and has a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11.