Former NFL player Darron Lee charged in girlfriend’s killing at Tennessee home: affidavit

***WARNING: The following article contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.***

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVC) — An affidavit reveals gruesome new details in the murder of a former NFL player’s girlfriend, who authorities said was found dead with signs of severe trauma in a Tennessee home.

Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker and key member of Ohio State’s 2014 national championship football team, was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the case.

Darron Lee (Photo: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

The affidavit said Lee was detained while deputies secured the home and obtained a search warrant. Investigators said he refused to answer questions.

According to the affidavit, deputies in Hamilton County went to a house on Thursday on Snow Cone Way in Ooltewah. First responders discovered a woman at the scene, who later died from her injuries.

Lee told deputies he found the woman unconscious on the couch and believed she may have fallen in the shower, per the affidavit.

Investigators said the condition of the home raised concerns.

The affidavit said there were no signs of forced entry, but deputies found broken glass in the kitchen and blood evidence in several areas of the house. Investigators said the amount and location of the blood did not match Lee’s explanation.

Testing showed blood had been cleaned from several areas of the home, suggesting an attempt to conceal evidence.

Detectives also reported Lee had injuries consistent with a physical struggle, including wounds to his face, hands, and chest.

The affidavit said blood was also found inside the case of his cell phone. His phone and clothing were seized as evidence.

During a search of the home, the affidavit said, investigators documented multiple injuries to the woman, including 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. Her body was taken to a forensic center for an autopsy.

Lee, a former OSU linebacker, was the defensive MVP of Ohio State’s unforgettable Sugar Bowl win over Alabama in 2015, paving the way for the Buckeyes most recent football title.

He played high school football at New Albany, and after leaving OSU early to declare for the NFL Draft, Lee was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets. He also played for Kansas City, with whom he won a Super Bowl, as well as Buffalo and Las Vegas.

Lee was arrested for assault and domestic violence in Dublin back in 2023. He pleaded guilty to a lesser offense in 2025, resulting in a 90-day jail sentence, with 88 days suspended. He was placed on probation through February 2027.