Deidra Lane came into the public spotlight due to her marriage to former NFL running back, Fred Lane. Details about Deidra’s early life and background are largely unavailable publicly, but she came to national attention as the wife of a rising NFL star. The couple lived in North Carolina and had three daughters together: Régine, Sable, and Pilarr. According to court proceedings, their marriage was turbulent, with evidence suggesting instances of domestic strife.

On July 6, 2000, former NFL running back Fred Lane returned to the couple’s home in North Carolina. As he entered the house, still holding his keys in the door, Deidra Lane shot him point‑blank with a 12‑gauge shotgun. Lane was hit twice. According to authorities, he was rendered helpless after the first shot, and Deidra intentionally fired a second, fatal shot. The killing shocked the sports world and left a young family without its patriarch.

Deidra Lane was charged with first‑degree murder. At trial, prosecutors argued she was an abusive spouse and killed her husband intentionally for the life insurance money he held. Meanwhile, the defense claimed she acted in self‑defense, stating that she had suffered abuse and feared for her life. After a plea agreement, Deidra Lane pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2003. The court ruled that the second shot was intentional and premeditated.

Deidra was sentenced to 7 years and 11 months in prison. She was credited with time served while awaiting trial and for serving an additional four months on a federal charge of conspiracy to commit larceny. Deidra was released from prison on March 3, 2009.