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Re: R.I.P. Chris Benoit 1967-2007
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=3315501&page=1
Pro wrestler Chris Benoit strangled his wife and smothered his son before hanging himself in the weight room of his Georgia home, a law enforcement official close to the investigation told The Associated Press.
Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found dead Monday afternoon, and police later ruled the deaths a murder-suicide.
Initially, authorities refused to confirm the murder-suicide until evidence was examined by the state crime lab. The autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday at the state crime lab in Dekalb County. Additional toxicology reports will take at least two weeks.
WAGA-TV reported investigators believe the 40-year-old Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel, over the weekend, then himself on Monday. The bodies were found in three rooms.
World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that the organization asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."
The WWE announced that Benoit failed to appear at a Saturday live event in Beaumont, Texas, as well as the WWE's "Vengeance" event in Houston Sunday night, an absence attributed to a "family emergency."
Authorities responding to the scene had a difficult time entering the Fayetteville home, WWE announced, because a pair of German Shepherds were left roaming on the property.
The house is in a secluded neighborhood set back about 60 yards off a gravel road, surrounded by stacked stone wall and a double-iron gate. On Monday night, the house was dark except for a few outside lights. There was a police car in front, along with two uniformed officers.
The WWE also reported that it was in possession of further information regarding the police investigation and the cause of death, but the Fayette County Sheriff's Department has requested that the pro wrestling organization not release additional details at this time.
Lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told The Associated Press the bodies were discovered about 2:30 p.m. Monday but refused to provide details about the crime scene.
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the details of the incident may "prove a little bizarre" to the public when released. A press conference is expected at some point in the afternoon.
Benoit was a former world heavyweight and Intercontinental champion. He also held several tag-team titles during his career.
"WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the wrestling organization said in a statement on its Web site.
The native of Canada maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the defunct World Championship Wrestling.
The WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus Christi, Texas, and USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=3315501&page=1
Pro wrestler Chris Benoit strangled his wife and smothered his son before hanging himself in the weight room of his Georgia home, a law enforcement official close to the investigation told The Associated Press.
Benoit, his wife and 7-year-old son were found dead Monday afternoon, and police later ruled the deaths a murder-suicide.
Initially, authorities refused to confirm the murder-suicide until evidence was examined by the state crime lab. The autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday at the state crime lab in Dekalb County. Additional toxicology reports will take at least two weeks.
WAGA-TV reported investigators believe the 40-year-old Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel, over the weekend, then himself on Monday. The bodies were found in three rooms.
World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that the organization asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."
The WWE announced that Benoit failed to appear at a Saturday live event in Beaumont, Texas, as well as the WWE's "Vengeance" event in Houston Sunday night, an absence attributed to a "family emergency."
Authorities responding to the scene had a difficult time entering the Fayetteville home, WWE announced, because a pair of German Shepherds were left roaming on the property.
The house is in a secluded neighborhood set back about 60 yards off a gravel road, surrounded by stacked stone wall and a double-iron gate. On Monday night, the house was dark except for a few outside lights. There was a police car in front, along with two uniformed officers.
The WWE also reported that it was in possession of further information regarding the police investigation and the cause of death, but the Fayette County Sheriff's Department has requested that the pro wrestling organization not release additional details at this time.
Lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told The Associated Press the bodies were discovered about 2:30 p.m. Monday but refused to provide details about the crime scene.
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the details of the incident may "prove a little bizarre" to the public when released. A press conference is expected at some point in the afternoon.
Benoit was a former world heavyweight and Intercontinental champion. He also held several tag-team titles during his career.
"WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the wrestling organization said in a statement on its Web site.
The native of Canada maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the defunct World Championship Wrestling.
The WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus Christi, Texas, and USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast.
