Former Jets first-round pick Darron Lee charged with murder in girlfriend’s death: What we know so far

Former New York Jets first-round pick Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his girlfriend, according to multiple media outlets, including WTVC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and FOX17 in Nashville.

Citing the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, WTVC-TV reported that Lee, 31, was taken into custody at the scene after first responders were unable to revive a female victim. The incident occurred Thursday, February 5, in Ooltewah, Tennessee, a small community outside Chattanooga, according to FOX17.

“Preliminary findings indicate the victim’s death was the result of a homicide,” FOX17 wrote, again citing government officials. “The victim’s boyfriend, Darron Lee, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody at the scene.”


Darron Lee had previously been arrested in Ohio in 2023 on charges related to assault and domestic violence, according to a report by abc6onyourside.

Who is Darron Lee?

Darron Lee is a professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State University, where he was named Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl in 2015 and helped the Buckeyes win the 2015 National Championship.

Lee was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. During his NFL career, he also played for other teams and was part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning roster in 2019. In June 2021, Lee signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders but was released two months later.