In a shocking turn that has stunned the sports world, former New York Jets first-round draft pick Darron Lee—once a promising linebacker from Ohio State—now faces life-altering charges. The 31-year-old is accused of first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, a case that unfolded rapidly over the past few days in a quiet Tennessee community.
The story began on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in the 7500 block of Snow Cone Way in Ooltewah, Tennessee (near Chattanooga), following a report of CPR in progress. First responders arrived to find a female victim unconscious. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigations quickly ruled the death a homicide, with affidavits suggesting stabbing as a possible cause of death. Lee, identified as the victim’s boyfriend, was at the home and taken into custody right there as the primary suspect.
By Friday, February 6, 2026, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office formally announced the charges: first-degree murder and tampering with or fabricating evidence. Lee was booked into the Hamilton County jail, where he remains held without bond. Additional charges could still be added as the investigation continues, though authorities have withheld further details, including the victim’s name (pending family notification), and have not released an official cause of death beyond the homicide determination.
The latest development: Lee’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Hamilton County. As of now (early February 7, 2026), no new updates have emerged from court proceedings or additional evidence releases—the case remains active and under investigation. Reports note Lee’s prior legal history, including a 2023 arrest in Ohio for misdemeanor assault and domestic violence (for which he was on probation), but no direct connection to this incident has been confirmed.
This marks a dramatic fall for Lee, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State (where he contributed to the 2014 national championship team). He played several seasons with the Jets before stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders, last appearing in the league around 2020-2021.
The case has drawn widespread coverage from outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, ABC News, USA Today, and local Tennessee sources. It serves as a somber reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. More details are expected to emerge following the upcoming court date.
