Ex-NFL Player Darron Lee Accused of Trying to Clean Blood Stains After Ooltewah Homicide, Affidavit Says

OOLTEWAH, TENNESSEE — Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker, is facing first-degree murder and tampering with evidence charges after investigators say he appeared to have tried to clean blood from multiple areas inside an Ooltewah home where his girlfriend was found dead. The details are outlined in an affidavit reviewed by our team.

First Responders Reported “Concerning Conditions” Inside the Home

Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Snow Cone Lane on Thursday, February 5, 2026, shortly after 1:30 p.m., after a call initially reported as CPR in progress, according to the affidavit.

Lee told first responders he found the woman unconscious on a couch and suggested she may have fallen in the shower. Investigators noted those statements did not match what they described as concerning conditions inside the home.

Investigators Describe Blood Spatter, Broken Glass, and Signs of Cleanup

At the scene, deputies reported finding blood spatter on walls and flooring in multiple locations and broken glass scattered across the kitchen area, according to the affidavit. Investigators also documented cleaning materials placed in what they described as abnormal locations.

Detectives later used forensic methods that identified blood staining in areas where no visible blood could be seen, the affidavit states. Investigators noted those findings are consistent with an attempt to remove, alter, or conceal evidence.

Lee Detained, Declined to Speak, and Clothing Seized

Deputies detained Lee and transported him to an operations center for questioning. According to the affidavit, he invoked his rights and did not provide a statement.

While collecting Lee’s clothing, investigators reported observing scratches on his face, hands, and chest that they believed were consistent with a violent struggle. They also reported seeing blood inside the protective case of his cellphone. Investigators seized Lee’s possessions as evidence.

Victim Had Multiple Injuries, Including Stab Wound, Bruising, and Bite Mark

The affidavit describes multiple injuries observed on the victim at the scene. Investigators reported trauma that included a one-inch stab wound to the abdomen, a large dark bruise to the head, black eyes with heavy swelling, and multiple bruises on her arms and torso. The affidavit also notes a circular human bite mark on her shoulder and dried blood on her face and neck.

The Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office transported the victim’s body to a forensic center for an autopsy, according to the affidavit.

Alcohol, Narcotics, and a Gun Reportedly Found Inside

Detectives reported locating alcohol, narcotics, and a gun inside the residence during evidence collection. Investigators also documented that there were no signs of forced entry, according to the affidavit.

The victim’s name has not been released publicly as of the latest update, pending notification of next of kin, officials indicated.

Charges Filed and Court Date Set

Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, according to the update.

Lee’s Football Background and Prior Case Noted in Report

Lee played college football at Ohio State and was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New York Jets in 2016. He later played for multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl championship in 2020, and also spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.

The report also noted that Lee accepted a plea deal last year in a domestic violence case, according to information cited in the update.

For more cases related to domestic violence investigations and homicide arrests, check out our video here: