OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (AP) — Darron Lee, a former New York Jets first-round draft pick, was arrested in Tennessee and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend. The arrest took place at the scene of the incident, as confirmed by the Hamilton County sheriff's office on Thursday.

The identity of the female victim has not been disclosed, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. Lee, who is 31 years old, has a history in the NFL, playing a total of 58 games with teams including the Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills from 2016 through the 2020 seasons. He was picked 20th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Jets after an impactful college career at Ohio State, where he earned recognition as the defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl.

Lee faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. The Hamilton County sheriff's office indicated that further charges could be forthcoming as the investigation unfolds. Upon the arrival of first responders at the scene, efforts were made to revive the female victim, but they were ultimately unsuccessful. According to preliminary findings from detectives, the victim's death has been classified as a homicide.

Lee is scheduled to appear in court on February 11. Notably, this is not his first encounter with law enforcement; he was previously arrested in 2023 on charges related to assault and domestic violence. These past incidents may influence the current case and the public's perception of Lee as proceedings move forward.

The events surrounding Lee's arrest have raised significant interest given his prior career in the NFL and the serious nature of the current charges. The local community, along with his former teammates and fans, are left to process the implications of such an incident involving a former professional athlete. The Hamilton County sheriff’s office continues to investigate, and additional information is expected to emerge as the case progresses.