FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. - WWE wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife, and son were found dead Monday and police said they were investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.
Detective Bo Turner told television station WAGA that the case was being treated as a murder-suicide, but said that couldn't be confirmed until evidence was examined by a crime lab.
The station said that investigators believe the 40-year-old Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel, over the weekend, then himself on Monday. A neighbor called police, and the bodies were found in three rooms.
Lead investigator Lt. Tommy Pope, of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department, told The Associated Press the deaths were being investigated as homicide, and that the causes of death awaited autopsy results on Tuesday. Pope said the bodies were discovered about 2:30 p.m., but refused to release details.
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.
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 federation said in a statement on its Web site.
Benoit was scheduled to perform at the "Vengeance" pay-per-view event Sunday night in Houston, but was replaced at the last minute because of what announcer Jim Ross called "personal reasons."
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.
"My relationship with Chris has extended many years and I consider him a great friend," Carl DeMarco, the president of WWE Canada, said in a statement. "Chris was always first-class — warm, friendly, caring and professional one of the best in our business."
MAN! I was so sad when my cousin called and told me this tonight. I loved watching Chris Benoit wrestle. I'm wondering what could've been so terrible for him to kill his wife and son. If that's what really happened. May they all RIP.
-- Edited by Shinin Like a Diamond at 00:10, 2007-06-26
I heard about this on the radio this morning. This is really sad. When I first heard he was dead, I thought it was another "wrestling death", i.e. Vince McMahon, but when I heard the full story this morning I was like damn. You never know what someone is going through. RIP Chris
I heard this on the news this morning and couldn't believe my ears. Chris Benoit was a no-nonsense type of wrestler and that's why I liked him. It was never about him being on the good or bad side. He was just a damned good wrestler. But to take the lives of your wife and son, and then turn around and kill yourself??? Wow. Like ThikChik stated, you never know what people are going through.
I saw it this morning when i got on the computer and i was like it can't be him.. its really sad he killed his wife and son and then killed his self.. RIP to all of them
when i first heard this i was like i hope he didnt kill his wife and son and then himself...and now thats wat they're investigating it as...damn...may they all RIP
