Random Pro Athletes Convicted of Murder (9 items)

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  (#1) Aaron Hernandez

  • 33

  Aaron Hernandez was a former tight end for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). His impact on the sport was immense as he displayed exceptional athleticism and the ability to score crucial touchdowns in high-pressure situations. Paired with fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski, Hernandez formed one of the most dynamic and feared duos in the NFL, and was instrumental in helping his team reach Super Bowl XLVI, where they narrowly lost to the New York Giants.

  Hernandez's life took a dark turn on June 17, 2013, when the body of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancee, was found near Hernandez's home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Following an investigation, Hernandez was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He was found guilty in April 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In a tragic turn of events, Hernandez took his own life in prison on April 19, 2017.
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  (#5) Esteban de Jesús

  • Dec. at 37 (1951-1989)

  Esteban de Jesús was a Puerto Rican lightweight boxer, known for his incredible punching power and lightning-quick reflexes. His rivalry with fellow Puerto Rican and Hall of Fame boxer Roberto Duran was legendary, as the two engaged in a trilogy of fights that captivated boxing fans worldwide. De Jesús was the first fighter to defeat Duran, and their battles cemented both boxers' legacies as all-time greats.

  In 1981, de Jesús's life took a sharp turn for the worse when he was involved in a fatal altercation in Puerto Rico. After an argument in a traffic dispute, de Jesús shot and killed a 17-year-old boy. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. While incarcerated, de Jesús developed AIDS and was ultimately granted compassionate release from prison. He passed away in 1989, at the age of 37.

   
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  (#6) Leslie Hylton

  • Dec. at 50 (1905-1955)

  Leslie Hylton was a Jamaican cricketer and right-arm fast bowler who represented the West Indies. Known for his exceptional pace and ability to generate movement off the pitch, Hylton played an integral role in the success of the West Indies cricket team during his tenure. His passion for the game and commitment to his teammates made him a respected figure on and off the field.

  In 1955, Hylton's life took a tragic turn when he was charged with the murder of his wife, Lurline Rose Hylton. According to Hylton, he intended to shoot himself but accidentally shot his wife instead. Despite his claims of innocence, Hylton was found guilty of murder and became the only Test cricketer to be executed when he was hanged in May 1955.
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  (#7) Hiroshi Ogawa

  • 61

  Hiroshi Ogawa was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played for the Nittaku Home Flyers, later renamed the Nippon Ham Fighters. Known for his powerful fastball and aggressive pitching style, Ogawa was a dominant force on the mound throughout his career, striking fear into the hearts of opposing batters.

  In 2001, Ogawa's life took a dark turn when he was arrested for the murder of a 67-year-old restaurant owner in Tokyo, who was robbed and beaten to death outside his establishment. After initially denying the accusations, Ogawa eventually confessed to the crime. He was convicted of murder and robbery, resulting in a life sentence in prison, where he remains to this day.
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  (#3) Robert Rozier

  • 68

  Robert Rozier was a defensive end who briefly played for the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL. He was known for his relentless pass-rushing ability and knack for creating turnovers. While his NFL career didn't pan out as expected, Rozier went on to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) where he showcased his potential as a dominant defensive player.

  Rozier's life took a sinister turn when he became involved with a black supremacist cult called "The Brotherhood" in the mid-1980s. As part of his initiation into the group, Rozier admitted to committing seven murders between 1985 and 1986. He was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 22 years in prison. In exchange for testifying against the cult leader, Rozier was released after only ten years but was later arrested again for check fraud and is currently serving a 25-year-to-life sentence under California's three-strikes law.
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  (#2) Rae Carruth

  • 49

  Rae Carruth was a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL, known for his speed and agility on the field. He played an essential role in helping the Panthers make it to the playoffs in only their second season of existence. Carruth was regarded as a promising talent whose potential seemed boundless.

  However, in November 1999, Carruth's pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams, was shot four times in a drive-by shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carruth was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, as it was proven that he had orchestrated the hit on Adams. Their child was born prematurely due to the shooting but miraculously survived. Carruth was sentenced to 18-24 years in prison and was released on October 22, 2018.

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