Cops: Pro Wrestler Killed Family, Self

Chris Benoit Killed Wife And Son And Placed A Bible Next To Their Bodies Before Hanging Himself

(CBS/AP)  Pro wrestler Chris Benoit strangled his wife, suffocated his 7-year-old son and placed a Bible next to their bodies before hanging himself with the pulley of a weightlifting machine, authorities said Tuesday.

Investigators found prescription anabolic steroids in the house and want to know whether the muscle man was unhinged by the drugs, which can cause paranoia, depression and explosive outbursts known as "roid rage."

Benoit's employer, the WWE, instituted a new and supposedly tougher drug policy just last year after the death of another wrestler was linked to steroid use, reports CBS News national correspondent Byron Pitts.

Authorities offered no motive for the killings, which were spread out over a weekend, and would not discuss Benoit's motive or state of mind. No suicide note was found.

"I'm baffled about why anybody would kill a 7-year-old," District Attorney Scott Ballard said. "I don't think we'll ever be able wrap our head around that."

Benoit, a Montreal native whose nickname was "The Canadian Crippler," was known for his wholesome family man image. His wife, Nancy, was a wrestling stage manager who worked under the name "Woman." They met and fell in love when their wrestling story lines intertwined.

When he won the world heavyweight championship, Benoit (pronounced ben-WAH) hoisted the belt over his head and invited his wife and child into the ring to celebrate.

Nevertheless, Nancy Benoit filed for a divorce in 2003, saying the couple's three-year marriage was irrevocably broken and alleging "cruel treatment."

She later dropped the complaint, as well as a request for a restraining order in which she charged that the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Benoit had threatened her and had broken furniture in their home.

In the divorce filing, she said Benoit made more than $500,000 a year as a professional wrestler and asked for permanent custody of Daniel and child support. In his response, Benoit sought joint custody.

The bodies were found Monday afternoon in three rooms of the house, off a gravel road.

Benoit's wife, 43, was killed Friday in an upstairs family room, her feet and wrists were bound and there was blood under her head, indicating a possible struggle, Ballard said.

The son, Daniel, was probably killed late Saturday or early Sunday, the body found in his bed, Ballard said.

Benoit, 40, apparently killed himself several hours and as long as a day later, Ballard said. His body was found in a downstairs weight room, his body found hanging from the pulley of a piece of exercise equipment.

The prosecutor said he found it "bizarre" that the WWE wrestling star spread out the killings over a weekend and appeared to remain in the house for up to a day with the bodies.

Toxicology test results may not be available for weeks or even months, he said. As for whether steroids played a role in the crime, he said: "We don't know yet. That's one of the things we'll be looking at."

Neighbors said the Benoits led a low-key lifestyle.

"We would see Chris walking in his yard from time to time. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't really outwardly warm," said Alaina Jones, who lives across the street.

Jimmy Baswell, who was Benoit's driver for more than five years, placed a white wreath at the Benoits' gate. "They always seemed like they were the happiest people," he said.

World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that it 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, based in Stamford, Conn., said authorities asked that it not release further information on the deaths.

"WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the company said in a statement on its Web site.

"He was like a family member to me, and everyone in my family is taking it real hard," said fellow Canadian Bret Hart, a five-time champion with the World Wrestling Federation. The federation has since changed its name to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Benoit had maintained a home in Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the defunct World Championship Wrestling. The Fayette County Tax Assessors Office lists the value of the house, on more than 8.5 acres, at nearly $900,000.

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.

Benoit had two other children from a prior relationship.

[nishaboston]

It seems like wrestlers have some serious issue. Just take a look in the past 15 years of all the wrestlers who have died from drugs or murder. Just a few weeks ago Scary Sherry was found dead. It must be a very stressful business. I am so sad for his family and his wife and son.

[freckster]

I hope they run a thorough tox screen and particularly look for steroids. If 'roid rage' is a factor, this tragedy can be a blessing for others.

[bobcatwelder]

Its a shame that these role models are killing
spouses or committing suicide over dosing on drugs how sad ,, 3 lives gone in an instant
My Condolances to the Families involved here

[houser123]

Everyday we read of domestic problems resulting in murder suicides. I am familiar with this problem firsthand having lived through it as a child. Although the only one who died in my case was my father. To this day it haunts me and its been 40 years ago. However, I can find not excuse whatsoever to take the life of a child as could have happened with Mr. Benoit. If it proves to be a murder suicide as indicated, may he remain for eternity in hell. I did not know him nor did I follow WWE closely, however to take the life of a innocent child is inexcuseable.

[selchow3]

The WWE bands all steroids use. Anyone found with steroids in the blood will be fired or sent to a drup rebab center.

[creeper00]

"USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast."

Why would anyone think this man worthy of a "tribute" after he'd killed his wife and son? If you want to take you own life, that's your right. Killing your family makes you a cold-blooded murder. Hardly a fitting subject for a tribute.

[selchow3]

The murder suicide is NOT offical. Yes, if he did kill his family he is not "worthy" of a tribute show; but if he didn't kill his family he is "worthy" of a three hour tribute. Also the fans and family need a remberance of all that this great wrestler has done in his 22 year career.

[hwy71so]

One should wait till the conclusion of the investigation to pass judgement (if even then). Especially since the only information you have to go on is a news report.

[jetlizhan]

how could anyone, at anytime, for whatever reason, kill a child?

[precious_angel_0498]

No matter what Chris done either killed his child or not whatever the case maybe he is still a hero to many people... i am not say what he did is right he may have had many personable reason for what he may or may not have done...but all in all he will have to deal with the punishment that the great ALL MIGHTY KING UP ABOVE ... we should not pass judgement.. we should just remember him in how he was...

[momofthree6]

In this article it never says there was a gun used and actually in other articles I have read I never read that a gun was used. I think before we pass judgment we should wait to see what other news comes out on this, the police are still investigating.

I have read that yes the WWE has a very strict steroid policy and it cannot be blamed on that yet.

Wrestling is not my favorite thing but I have two sons who love to watch it, it may look violent and some of it is, but it is mostly fake staged story lines and all of that.

My heart goes out to all of the families in that are involved and hope that they all may RIP I doubt we will ever really know what happened inside that house!

[shammy0202]

Well I'm thinking if WWE was SO concerned over the text messages he was sending that they asked "authorities" to check on him, quite obviously there was a prob. Actually can't wait til the messages are released. Another family killer. I don't care if he's who he is or not, he's a killer!!!!

May God Bless the Innocent victims and thier families and friends.

[shammy0202]

I wonder how his wifes family feels about the aired three hour tribute to this supposedly, loving, caring individual who murdered their daughter and grandson. I think USA Network at some point will have regrets on airing that "Tribute to a KILLER!"

[huskerarmy]

yes the WWE has a very strict steroid policy...
Posted by momofthree6
They may be fun to watch but please take an honest look at these guys. If by "strict steroid policy" you mean they expect everyone to take them then yes...

[momofthree6]

When I say strict steroid policy I mean against taking them, I am sure most of them do but however if they get caught or their drug tests come up positive then they either get fired from the business or they have to go to rehab!

[lcsogal227]

For starters, the detectives are treating this as a murder-suicide, which means that nothing has been confirmed. Secondly, many of the wrestlers in the WWE locker room have stated that they remember Benoit as a "family man" and that he always put his family above all else. Who knows what happened? For all we know, there may have been another party involved, and Benoit may not have been the one that killed himself or his family. And as far as boycotting USA, that's just absurd. If you want to be a narrowminded extremist twit, be my guest, but I've been watching wrestling since I was a child, and Benoit was one of the first wrestlers I remember watching. As far as I'm concerned, if for no other reason, Benoit deserved the tribute he got for his amazing career. Before you start passing judgement, let the ink dry in the final reports first.

[momofthree6]

lcsogal227 you have said it right! Everything is still being investigated! You know if they had of gone on with Monday Night RAW then people would still be mad saying Vince McMahon has no heart by doing a live show!

For huskerarmy here is one of the WWE Steroid Policies pulled off of their website

Drug Policy Update
January 17, 2006


WWE has been working diligently to complete its new wellness program for talent, which includes an aggressive drug and steroid testing program and heightened cardiovascular monitoring. The company believes it has identified a third-party that will be able to implement the program, which will be done independently of WWE, and is going through final phases of its due diligence. WWE believes the program will be ready to implement before the end of the first quarter of 2006.

[drummer94]

ANOTHER "just sad" story. Seems to be a lot lately. I never got into watchin much "wrestling" but the wolverine was fun. The dude had talent w/o the inflated ego. Too bad no one seen the problems. The signs are always there.

[mediabrat60]

OMG;I forgot how naive wrestling fans are. This is so entertaining!

[shammy0202]

lcsogal227

I'm sorry I totally disagree with you. 1 In most family killings how many times have you heard that the killer put his family above and beyond anything else 2. The text messages must have been pretty bizarre if the WWE sent the authorities to "check" up on him and no I do not think he deserved a three hour tribute. I can only imagine what ran through the minds of his wifes family.

[mediabrat60]

It's so strange how things happen in 3's. This is the "third" guy in the news to kill his family lately. I wonder what is next.

[rushlimpdrug]

Thank you CBs for bringing us this story.
The WWE does not get the coverage it deserves in legitimate media.
You have given all wrestling citizens a reason to stand proud and say "This is real news folks"
God bless you for your coverage.

[itwasntme000]

May God Bless the Innocent victims and thier families and friends.
Posted by shammy0202 at 08:26 AM : Jun 26, 2007

According to what you believe, i think, god is damm well aware of the situation and aparently did not like this guy and his family. (thus they are dead)

And myopinion... Good riddens... We wont miss you watching our television. Btw, this wrestling is a joke here. Very few people watch this soap opera. Yes that is all this is, a soap opera. And in my opinion one of the dumbest things on TV right now next to american idol.

As for USA network airing a tribute to this wrestler. Ummm they are morons yea. You don't give tribute to someone that is a murder suspect that could of just killed a little kid and his wife. HELLO MCFLY nebody home!!!!!

lcsogal227 wow man. Umm maybe USA should have let the ink dry before doing a tribute to a (more then likely) murderer. But since you are a wrestling fan, you can't comprehend this sadly. I figured it out... your gay and you liked when these guys get all oiled up and this thug was one of your fav to dream about.

[kellymarietaylor]

My question is, If other wrestlers were getting these so called "strange text messages" earlier in the day why was it not until the afternoon that someone was sent to the house to check on chris' family?.. As we all know, the use of steroids runs rampant in the "wrestling arena" and it always will" the "bigger the better" and the person that it make people become is not the real person. My heart and soul go out to the families of Chris and his Wife and son. they are in mine and my families prayers. judge not. for we do not know the facts... God bless. Remember love the one your with they may be gone tomorrow.
" may there always be an angel by your side and a prayer in your heart."
Kelly

[rushlimpdrug]

Btw, this wrestling is a joke here. . . . . .
Posted by itwasntme000

Wrestling is not a joke. CBs would not run a story like this if it didn't believe in wrestling.
Wrestling is important to America.
Thanks again CBs for giving wrestling the importance it deserves.
Also, please let us know how Paris Hilton is doing.

[mitch0927]

itwasntme000 ,

Good morning, and oh yeah, you're an a$$hole, good for nothing waste of air and space. Did you notice I used you're and not your...since you think you are the foremost authority on everything, you just proved you are only a fat slob creep sitting on your fat a$$ spouting off garbage just to read your words. See how I used your and not you're....dumb a$$.

[navychief8]

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.


Thank you CBs for bringing us this story.
The WWE does not get the coverage it deserves in legitimate media.
You have given all wrestling citizens a reason to stand proud and say "This is real news folks"
God bless you for your coverage.
Posted by rushlimpdrug at 09

Rushlimpdrug, if this is news to "stand proud" about, then you are most certainly a knucklehead. More over, I agree that USA is a tad bit premature about running a "tribute" for this guy. If he is in fact a murderer, as is being indicated, then way to go..... Great job of thoughtful programming by USA's executives. My criticism is not directed at the family of this guy%u2019s wife or son; I send my heart felt sympathies to them.

[xeffect]

I'm sorry, but to everybody that has sat there and said nothing but bad things about this...**** off!

i have watched Benoit since his days as the Pegasus Kid...then man has been through it all in the business, and he has earned the respect he has been given.

anytime anyone in the wrestling business has talked about Benoit...yes, he is a family man. he lwys talked abou the love for his family, and is friends always talked about it. ive known quite a few people who have had the pleasure of carrying conversatons with Benoit...and he is one of the most upstanding guys in the world..

so, for you to bash the man because it is being investigated as a murder suicice...who the heck are you? seriously...just because the cops investigate it like that because it may look like it at first...doesnt mean it actually is!

first of all, if you look at it...this could have EASILY been set-up to look like what it looks like...a murder suicide is not all that hard of a feat to frame if you have ever actually, ya know, READ int these things...

all you gotta do is make sure you get away with t...seriously people, read some books on murders in history, watch some news, read some investigative literature...

[xeffect]

CONT.


even if the cops confirm it as so...DOESNT MEAN IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! cause, im sorry, he only reason cops would confirm it as such if it looked like such is just to get the case closed and over with...

just keep your mouths shut about people if all you know whats going on is what the news tells you...cause, in realizty, YOU WERENT THERE TO WITNESS IT YOURSELF!

[dmvnana1216]

The world is sick so much suffering. I will never understand how people can harm their own children. I'm not in to wrestling much this is truly a sad ending. I've been trying to find a picture of Chris's wife "Women" any one know where I can find it?
Diane

[cat1dog5075]

I use to like wrestling - I always knew it was fake but we all use to like to have a few beers and watch it - I don%u2019t watch it anymore because I feel the same way my friends do -
Vince McMahon now has turned it into a soap opera with bad acting where they talk for twenty minutes - Wrestle for five and then have five minutes of commercials - Years ago they use to wrestle for almost the whole hour but now all they do it talk -

As far as Benoit goes - I feel sorry for him - He must have been in some real mental pain if he did what they say - But I feel even worse for his wife and child - Too bad these people who do this stuff can not just kill themselves and not always take others with them -

Also If the Benoit did do what they said and the WWE aired a three-hour tribute to him - I think that was wrong- How would you feel if he was married to your sister - mother or another family member and killed them - Then because of WWE hype put on the TV and they are saying how great you were -
Like I said in the WWE it%u2019s all about money now and nothing else

[cattlekate]

Not again. US male slaughters family with a handgun.

[nolalou]

Obviously I feel sorry for his wife and child, and Chris Benoit's family. It may be a while before all the details are released, but I agree it was premature at the least to broadcast a 3 hour tribute to a possible murderer. They could have put up a simple statement that in light of what happend to Mr Benoit and his family the wrestling match would not be held that night. Once more details come out, if it was not in fact a murder/sucicide, then they could have broadcast a tribute.

I also have to add that while my dad is a Wrestling fan, I've never understood people who treat this like a real sport! It's as phony as a 3 dollar bill. The very fact that the article mentions Benoit met his wife when he "drew up a script that had them involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing story line" shows how phony it is. Unfortunatly, this script didn't have a happy ending!

[khalia1]

How in the world the WWE can implement an aggressive drug and steriod testing program.When in fact the OWNER himself build like the incredible Hulk.My wishes gose out to the Benoit and especially his wife family.Only what you do for God will last.

[mdc76082]

"so, for you to bash the man because it is being investigated as a murder suicice...who the heck are you? seriously...just because the cops investigate it like that because it may look like it at first...doesnt mean it actually is!"

Dah, Jethro Bodine. Dah, maybe you should change your name to "zero"effect. Zero for LOOOOOSER! Anytime anyone takes someone out with them because they are so chicken-hearted to "die" alone gets NO RESPECT from me and shouldn't get any respect from the rest of the country. This guy "murdered" an innocent woman and child. You are what's wrong with this country. "GO OUT AND HUG A MURDERER TODAY" should be your motto and put on your bumper sticker. You're a pathetic idiot. Oh, and by the way the authorities wouldn't have realeased the cause of death as a "possible" murder-suicide if they didn't have a 99.9% probability. But in your case. I'm sure they just all 3 fell down and died. Now how does it feel to be pissed on?

[huskerarmy]

"...if they get caught or their drug tests come up positive then they either get fired from the business or they have to go to rehab!"
Silly people. Who you gonna believe, the press releases or your lyin' eyes...?

[xeffect]

ok...this is one for the people that have made comments about WWE and USA for airing the 3-hour tribute special to Chris Benoit last night...

even if...and i mean IF...he really did do those things, then I still see no problem in airing that tribute special...and here's why:

the 3 hour tribute special last night was not to honor Chris Benoit, the person.

it was to honor "The Crippler, The Rabid Wolverine" Chris Benoit...one of the greatest mat technicians to ever set foot in the ring...

notice how the footage shown was basically his in-ring work and matches? not family, at home stuff?

so, yes, even IF he was found to be a murderer...it was a rightful tribute to one of the best pro wrestlers to ever step foot into the ring...because his work inspired a lot of wrestlers just starting out right now.

[navychief8]

even if the cops confirm it as so...DOESNT MEAN IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! cause, im sorry, he only reason cops would confirm it as such if it looked like such is just to get the case closed and over with...

just keep your mouths shut about people if all you know whats going on is what the news tells you...cause, in realizty, YOU WERENT THERE TO WITNESS IT YOURSELF!
Posted by xeffect at 09:27 AM : Jun 26, 2007


And neither were you......... Seriously, this "I'm not paranoid, but that doesn't mean they're not out to get me" thing is a little far fetched. Also, you might want to cut and paste your posts into a word doc. so you can use the spelling and grammar checker. It is what I do.

[rushlimpdrug]

If they broadcast a 3 hour tribute it wasn't for the profit it was a tribute.

[shammy0202]

xeffec

I'll be willing to bet when all is said and done it sure as h ell won't be a frame! Do you think he was FORCED to send those text messages that the WWE was sooo concerned with they sent the authorities to check up on him? lol

[xeffect]

mdc76082

haha, wow..i love people like you...never anything important or smart to add to the conversations...

but, yea, im not getting into a pissing war with you...i have better things to do with my time...

but the fact is...no, they dont have a 99.9% clear cut idea...thats why they do something called investigating...which is why they said, and i quote, "being 'INVESTIGATED' as a murder-suicide."

[mitch0927]

Right on seandgreen, this story has nothing to do with wrestling; it has to do with a murder suicide. The fact that he was a professional wrestler is secondary. I'm glad to see someone telling that itwasntme000 creep a thing about its character.

[navychief8]

ok...this is one for the people that have made comments about WWE and USA for airing the 3-hour tribute special to Chris Benoit last night...

even if...and i mean IF...he really did do those things, then I still see no problem in airing that tribute special...and here's why:

the 3 hour tribute special last night was not to honor Chris Benoit, the person.



it was to honor "The Crippler, The Rabid Wolverine" Chris Benoit...one of the greatest mat technicians to ever set foot in the ring...

Posted by xeffect at 09:36 AM : Jun 26, 2007

O.K., then maybe when O.J. dies we can have a tribute to the "athlete" not O.J. the person.

You can't separate the two. It is a package deal.

[connapa]

After seeing this, there is no doubt in my mind that anabolic steroids should be banned from ALL sports. Something tells me this was the result of years of taking steroids. If no gun was involved, as the report states, then it must have been one heck of a steroid rage, and with that physique, he was a lethal weapon. I think we have, unfortunately, found the "poster child" for steroid abuse.

[gmond]

The WWE ran a tribute so they would look like good guiltless guys. They knew Benoit was traveling down roid-rage-road because they had supplied the transportation.

[xeffect]

haha...so say you committed murder, and then yourself...your family should just say "to hell with his memorial...he's a murderer."

thats what the WWE was to him, family...and his family gave him their own kind of proper memorial...

so, even if he did do what they're INVESTIGATING into him doing...his FAMILY is going to forget all he did for them...

seriously, THAT is what's wrong with America...the whole population just HAS to look at the glass as half empty...EVERYTHING has to be bad..because that's what America gets off on.

just like America has to stop on the freeway to look at an accident...because its carnage and someones like is ruined...

[itwasntme000]

sooo seandgreen and mitch

wooot i got YOUR attention. (had to think of a sentence to use with YOUR in it)
You guys are great, instead of refuting anything i said, you just try to attack the grammar. SOOOO
anotherwards you just sucesfully added nothing to this debate except how utterly worthless you are.

And sorry sean!!! As lnog as pepole udnrestand *** i am typin(i thought you guys would like that sentence). I DON'T pride myself on being analretentive on spelling.

Now that wew are hopefully past that. (i doubt it because aparently you guys can't comprehend anything i type)

xeffect ummm... So you agree with doing a tribute to someone who is a murder suspect??? am i right??? That is 100x worse then lets say running a tribute to mike tyson the day after rape charges were filed against him.
BTW I don't care how much WWE tells you he was a family man. Or what bs was told you on TV about this thug. Fact of the matter is, omg, YOU DON'T know him either, and you have never been around him in real life to whitness this "family" man.
USA was dead wrong to run a tribute... and as another poster said they are just in it for the money...But this is one move that i hope hurts them dearly.

[gunownerdan]

I guess the fake sport has some very real consequences.

[cat1dog5075]

Yea - Let%u2019s have a 3 hour TV tribute to honor OJ Simpson also -
Because he won the heiseman trophy and set some record-
I mean let%u2019s not put in his family and at home stuff because that doesn%u2019t matter -
I guess it%u2019s more important to honor "The Crippler, The Rabid Wolverine" Chris Benoit...one of the greatest mat technicians to ever set foot in the ring%u201D - Than it is to honor the life of his wife and young child -
Yea - I guess screw how his wife%u2019s family feels as long as some stupid fans are happy

[shammy0202]

xeffect

Why don't come and tell us all about it when all is said and done and he's proven to be a killer! You are an idiot.