By David Lohr

June 27, 2007

advertisement

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga (Crime Library)  — Last week, Christopher Michael Benoit, 40, was a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstar.  This week Benoit is dead.  In the course of a single weekend, Benoit's actions transformed him from an icon into a cold-blooded killer. 

On Monday, the Fayette County Sheriff's Department, at the request of WWE officials, went to check on Benoit at his Fayette County home.  When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the bodies of Benoit, his wife Nancy, 43, and their son Daniel, 7.  Investigators announced a homicide had taken place, but they were hesitant to provide further details pending the completion of autopsies.

Chris Benoit

On Monday night, the WWE cancelled its live "Raw" wrestling program and instead broadcast a three-hour tribute to Benoit.  Not long after the homage aired, several television networks began reporting that the deaths were being investigated as a murder-suicide.  As details emerged, both the USA Network and the WWE were criticized for their hastily produced tribute.

Scott Ballard

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard disclosed the preliminary results of the investigation into the deaths and what he described as the "bizarre" circumstances surrounding them.  The following timeline is based on Ballard's comments and details released by the WWE.

Nancy Benoit

Friday June 22: Benoit strangles Nancy in an upstairs family room.  Her feet and wrists were bound and a towel was wrapped around her body.  Blood found under her head indicates she may have attempted to fight him off.  Benoit places a bible next to her body. 

Next Page

WWE Wrestler Chris Benoit, Wife and Son Found Dead

Contact David Lohr  at           crimewriter74@hughes.net

For More Daily Crime News