Steroids Found In Dead Wrestler's Home

Did "Roid Rage" Cause Apparent Murder-Suicide Of Chris Benoit And Family?

(CBS/AP)  Officials investigating the apparent murder-suicide of pro wrestler Chris Benoit and his wife and son found anabolic steroids in the house and want to know whether the muscle man nicknamed "The Canadian Crippler" was unhinged by the bodybuilding drugs, which can cause paranoia, depression and explosive outbursts known as "roid rage."

"In a community like this it's bizarre to have a murder-suicide, especially involving the death of a 7-year-old," Ballard said. "I don't think we'll ever be able to wrap our minds around this," Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard said.

He said Benoit's 43-year-old wife, Nancy, was killed Friday in an upstairs family room, and her feet and wrists were bound and there was blood under her head, indicating a possible struggle. Daniel, age 7, was probably killed late Saturday or early Sunday, and his body was found in his bed, the district attorney said.

Benoit, 40, apparently hanged himself hours later, Ballard said. His body was found in a downstairs weight room hanging from the pulley of a piece of exercise equipment. Authorities said Benoit placed a Bible next to each of their bodies before killing himself.

World Wrestling Entertainment, based in Stamford, Conn., issued a statement Tuesday saying steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death."

"The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage," the company said, adding that Benoit tested negative April 10, the last time he was tested for drugs.

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

Instead, the WWE said Benoit told co-workers his wife and son had food poisoning and were throwing up.

Authorities offered no motive for the killings, which were spread out over the weekend and discovered Monday. No suicide note was found.

On Saturday, Benoit called a co-worker to say he had missed a flight and would be late for a wrestling event in Texas, WWE said in a timeline posted Tuesday on its Web site. The co-worker said Benoit sounded tired and groggy and said "I love you," which the co-worker found "out of context," WWE said.

When a co-worker who usually travels with Benoit called him later from the Houston airport, Benoit told the co-worker his wife, Nancy, was throwing up blood and that his son, Daniel, also was throwing up. Benoit said he thought it was food poisoning, according to WWE.

After Benoit talked to a WWE Talent Relations representative, the representative suggested Benoit try to make it to a pay-per-view event in Houston since he would not be able to make it to the live event in Beaumont, Texas.

But early Sunday, two co-workers received a series of text messages from the cell phones of Benoit and his wife. Most stated his home address in Fayetteville, about 20 miles south of Atlanta. One message from Benoit's phone said: "The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open," according to WWE.

The text messages led WWE to ask authorities to check on Benoit and his family.

Ballard said the messages appeared to be an attempt by Benoit to get someone to the home to find the bodies after his suicide.

The prosecutor said it appeared the wrestler remained in the house for up to a day with the bodies.

The boy had old needle marks in his arms, Ballard said. He said he had been told the parents considered him undersized and had given him growth hormones.

"The boy was very small, even dwarfed," Ballard said.

Toxicology test results may not be available for weeks or even months, Ballard 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."

Benoit received drug deliveries from a Florida business that sold steroids, human growth hormone and testosterone on the Internet, according to the Albany County, N.Y., District Attorney's Office, which is investigating the business, MedXLife.com.

Six people, including two of the pharmacy's owners, have pleaded guilty in the investigation, and 20 more have been arrested, including doctors and pharmacists.

Steroids have been linked to the deaths of several professional wrestlers in recent years. Eddie Guerrero, one of Benoit's best friends, died in 2005 from heart failure linked to long-term steroid use.

The father of Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig blamed steroids and painkillers for Hennig's drug overdose death in 2003. Davey Boy Smith, the "British Bulldog," died in 2002 from heart failure that a coroner said was probably caused by steroids.

[crystalblue3]

All I can say is "that poor little boy".

[wiccantexan]

"The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage," the company said, adding that Benoit tested negative April 10, the last time he was tested for drugs.
__________________________

I'll have to agree with the statement about deliberation, not rage. This wasn't done in a moment of passion.

[samthetvcat]

"The physical findings announced by authorities indicate deliberation, not rage" WWE said

He might have killed the wife in a 'roid rage and then turned on the tv and saw stories of Bobby Cutts all over the news and realized he wasn't going to get away with it and THEN made a deliberation . . . I hear WWE is a multi-million dollar business much like Halliburton . . .

[rushlimpdrug]

One message from Benoit's phone said: "The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open," according to WWE.
Were there other messages?
If there were, what did they say?
Were the dogs in the enclosed pool area?
Was the garage side door open?

"World Wrestling Entertainment, based in Stamford, Conn., issued a statement Tuesday saying steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death." "
Guess that settles it.

[kba78]

when is this country going to relize its problems

[kpokey]

Nobody looks like that naturally, no matter how much weight lifting and training you do. His body alone will tell you he was on steroids. It looks like after all the other deaths and this death due to steroids, the WWE still isn't taking steroids seriously.

[prelgovisk]

Delibration can follow rage, like the calm after the storm. The long time he stayed with them afterwards shows this.

[kba78]

i dont care it takes a weak sick man to kill a 7yr old child , dont make him any diffrent then a sick murderer , of any other kind . WWE need not make excueses for this man , they should be ashamed of themselves as well as USA for posting a 3 hr special on a child killer .

[condumism]

AT LEAST THOSE THAT TEST POSITIVE FOR PERSONAL USE OF MARIJUANA WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR WORK HAVE BEEN PUT IN THEIR PLACE FOR BREAKING THE LAW! America is the most pathetic nation of earth, full of neocons, fascists, and apathetic baby boomers.

[drummer94]

What a shock. NOT

[willylou11]

My only concern is that i believe that some of the media sources have gotten things a bit construed. I checked several news channels last night, and all I saw were headlines declaring wrestler dead, and how wrestling is a deadly game. I saw a reporter and pro wrestler Brian Christopher talk about all the wrestlers that have died under the age of 45 for the last 10 years, and the whole time there was not really any mention of the innocent people whose lives were taken. I feel that this is slowly becoming an indictment of pro wrestling, and that somehow everyone is going to end up saying that Vince McMahon and the WWE are to blame for this tragedy. While i do believe that he was either on steroids, HGH, or a combination of the two, I do not hold pro wrestling responsible for the senseless deaths of two innocent people, that responsibility lies with the man that commited the crimes, Mr. Benoit. So i think everyone, wrestling fan or not, should forget the fact that he was a wrestler, and realize that he killed two innocent people, and we will never really know why he did it, and that is what makes this that much more of a tragedy.

[vinman72]

AT LEAST THOSE THAT TEST POSITIVE FOR PERSONAL USE OF MARIJUANA WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR WORK HAVE BEEN PUT IN THEIR PLACE FOR BREAKING THE LAW! America is the most pathetic nation of earth, full of neocons, fascists, and apathetic baby boomers.
Posted by condumism at 09:16 AM : Jun 27, 2007

THEN LEAVE AND LET THE DOOR SLAM YOU IN THE ***!...IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS COUNTRY GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND COMPLAIN ON THE INTERNET INSTEAD OF DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE THIS A BETTER PLACE...AT LEAST YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE THE JERK YOU ARE HERE IN THIS GREAT NATION!!!

[thisandthat1]

I agree with kpokey....I'm not sure what kind of drug test the WWE gave him, but all you have to do is look at pictures of him and you can see that he was on steroids.

[wiccantexan]

Delibration can follow rage, like the calm after the storm. The long time he stayed with them afterwards shows this.
Posted by Prelgovisk at 09:12 AM : Jun 27, 2007

Really? I wasn't aware of that. Don't know much about steroid abuse and the side effects.

[opedanderson]

I worked with a guy who used steroids openly as part of his workout regimen. I have seen ROID RAGE firsthand. He would turn into a monster at the drop of a hat if someone did something to provoke him. Mostly, it was small, seemingly unimportant stuff. We finally had to let him go. The female workers were intimidated and scared which meant he was disrupting the work environment.

Naturally, he blew up at the news but he did leave. I have since heard that he has had trouble with the law.

When is the sporting world (not that WWE is a sport, but nonetheless....) going to wake up to this nonsense?

[justme0328]

I have to agree with some on this issue. WWE at the time of their tribute to Benoit had not idea that he had killed his child or his wife. Even so it doesnt make it wrong that they wanted to show the life of him. Something had to be mental wrong with him to do such a thing to his child. I agree that Steroids were a part to play, but he will have to live with the results not you nor I. Other people have comments that we may not agree with but we live in a country that says you can speak freely about your feelings. I will always respect Benoit as a wrestler but not as a person, he is getting his judgement day with GOD as we speak who are we to hold anything against him, or we are commiting sins ourselves. I do not agree with it. I will say that I am wondering what could have been wrong with him and why he did it? Only he knows, we will never know what really happened that weekend in the Benoit home.

[mikealford3]

the WWE still isn't taking steroids seriously.
Posted by kpokey at 09:11 AM : Jun 27, 2007

I disagree, The WWE is taking steroids seriously. The WWE is SERIOUSLY passing them out and giving them out as fast as they can. Just look at the foolishness of this organization. The owner is promoting fights against Donald Trump. It's like a circus. Years ago, when I was a child it was fun to watch, even though I knew it was fake or rigged or whatever. But now it's like watching a bunch of drunks stumble out of a bar.

The one bright light of the WWE is Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. The Rock), he had enough since to move into movies.

[willylou11]

I agree that there is a big problem with steroids in sports. I have been a wrestling fan since I watched Hogan and Bundy in the steel cage and Mania III with my dad. You can't read about any sport anymore without reading about steroid use. And it is probably more rampant in pro wrestling, because of the stigma that to get to the top, you have to be huge. While I believe that pro wrestling as a whole is in part responsible for the use of steroids, I feel that the individual is most responsible. It is their decision to take steroids or not to take them. And in this day and age, no one can claim that they didn't know the side effects before they took them. So while i do believe that steroids may have facilitated this crime, it was ultimately Mr. Benoit's decision to take steroids, and he is ultimately respsonsible for what he did. And i am not trying to be judgemental of him, because that is someone else's job, and he does it very well. I am just forming an opinion based on the facts that i have read.

[retmilspouse]

to get away with it and THEN made a deliberation . . . I hear WWE is a multi-million dollar business much like Halliburton . . .

Posted by SamTheTVCat at 09:07 AM : Jun 27, 2007

Wow, really? You must have put some real deep thought into that remark. Get a life and quit being so pathetic. I am tired of reading your comments.

[neenga]

Benoit's son's "old needle marks" from HGH, and the fact that the boy is described as "almost dwarfed" indicate that (1) his small stature may have been a result of his father's steroid use, and (2) Benoit, unable to deal with his son's small stature, saw fit to give him hormones. Sick! My guess is he killed his wife in a rage, calmed down, and then deliberately ended both his son's life and his own.

[shay223]

FINALLY, there are some intelligent thoughts being displayed!!!!! Willylou, you are right.

[retmilspouse]

Pro wrestling has been in trouble for years all the while growing their fan base to the max. It has always been about violence but what has me bothered is the overuse of sexual themes within the acts that they now use. And I agree with some on this site as the federation does not condone steriod use and also tests for it, these guys are not getting this body size by just going to the gym and working out. I don't know how they pass the drug tests but somewhere along the line they are taking something to pump up to that size.

[willylou11]

I agree, there is no way to amass the body size some of these guys get, just by working out alone. And the fact that Benoit passed a drug test for steroids and other substances proves nothing, there are several ways to use and not get caught if you want to. These guys can "juice up" as much as they want, then do a number of things to ensure they pass tests. There are a number of products one can take to flush out your system, or simply have a blood transfusion to get clean blood, or the compeletly insane act of having someone cath in clean urine so that you can pass a drug test. The fact that several people have said that the drug tests are random, they are just saying what they have to to protect themselves and the company. My guess is everyone knows about the tests ahead of time, because if you have someone sitting out because of a failed drug test, then all your doing is losing money, plus pro wrestling wants to avoid any headlines involving them and steroids at any cost.

[retmilspouse]

World Wrestling Entertainment, based in Stamford, Conn., issued a statement Tuesday saying steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death."

Toxicology test results may not be available for weeks or even months, Ballard 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."

After reading these two statements it looks like the WWE is playing CYA. How can they know that the deaths were not realated to the steroids if the toxicology results are not confirmed. This is the very reason why people should boycott this type of entertainment especially folks who use this as a form of family entertainment. Think of what you are exposing your children to.

[khwezzer]

That was real nice of him to put a bible next to his dead wife and son. This makes everything OK huh? You just can't trust these christians, especially those born the second time idiots. These people just love killing women and children. Iraq is a perfect example.

[willylou11]

My suggestion, if you really want to control drug and steroid use in sports, is to give the government control of that. Let them regulate and test people, and then if the do test positive, or get caught with these substances in their possesion, give them more than a fine so small it doesn't matter or a few months suspension from their chosen sport. To many times I have seen the people that are supposed to be role models to today's youth make bad decisions, and face minimal consequences. And I believe that is why they continue to do it, is because they continue to get away with it, basically only recieving a slap on the hand if they get caught. Until they are treated as regular people are treated, and not let to think they are above the law because of their fame and popularity, then we will continue to see these problems, and unfortunately, it will probably have similar results to this particular case.

[wiccantexan]

You just can't trust these christians, especially those born the second time idiots. These people just love killing women and children. Iraq is a perfect example.
Posted by khwezzer at 10:40 AM : Jun 27, 2007

OT, but I had to ask. How is Iraq a "perfect example" of Christian behavior? And if you bring up Bush, then you've just given another "perfect example" of obsession.

[enriquecaliente]

The WWF/WWE testing for steriods's...???

Anyone take a look at Bobby Ashely, lately.

Wrestling is nothing but a live rendition of cartoons. They're stunt-men and women who act out a story line. It has drama, comedy and ***.
Yea it's fake, but at least you know it up front. Nobody bets on a wrestling match.
The wrestlers are athletes.

It's a different style of sports entertainment.

In boxing, there is always the fix, they should give out diving awards, in that sport.

It's not an easy profession either. They're always on the road, injuries all the time, they have to stay in shape.

In this country of ours, bigger is better, No.

That why we have SUV's, pills to make your *** bigger. And all kind of whatnot.

Look at the size of all athletes now compared to the athletes of the past. When was the last time you saw someone 5'6" 150 Pd's compete in anything.? How big was the average lineman in the 30's - 50's.? Even in the Olympics they find people who use drugs.

The WWE as all sports enterprises will turn a blind eye as long as there is MONEY to be made.

As far as the tribute, on Monday. They did so, without knowing the facts. Had they known, I'm sure they'd not have done so.

In the end, the only people who could answer what happened, are dead.

May God have mercy on their souls.

[wiccantexan]

After reading these two statements it looks like the WWE is playing CYA.
Posted by retmilspouse at 10:37 AM : Jun 27, 2007

I'm in complete agreement here. They're doing early damage control.
______________

(2) Benoit, unable to deal with his son's small stature, saw fit to give him hormones.
Posted by neenga at 10:16 AM : Jun 27, 2007

Remember, the wife was likely consenting as well. Either way, it's a sick way to deal with a child. And who was providing the hormones? Was there a doctor's prescription or was this along the same line as steriod use?

[willylou11]

khwezzer, I don't think it is fair to judge the Christian society as a whole because of something that this man did. There is to much of this let's find someone to blame for why he did this. I know let's blame wrestling, or Vince McMahon, or even better, let's blame religion. Now I am in no way stating you are wrong for believing in whatever it is you believe in, because it is each person's choice to believe or not believe in what they want. What I am saying is let's quit trying to find something else to blame this on. Mr. Benoit is responsible, nobody else, not Vince, not the WWE, and certainly not God. There is to much of this pass the buck game going on in the world today. What we as a society need to start doing is hold the person who commited the crime responsible for what they did, and quit trying to find a way to blame it on what someone views as a problem with society. Once again, this is just my opinion and not an indictment of anything that anyone else believes. FDR had a plaque in the White House that read "The Buck Stops Here." Well i personally think maybe that particular theory needs to come into play again, and we need to quite passing the buck, and hold people responsible for what they do.

[shay223]

all right, i think the whole Christian bashing is WAYYYYY off basis! : anyone who knows what they are really talking about would realize that a TRUE Christian would never even concider doing something so awefull!: It is more the fact that Christ is being taken OUT of nearly all aspects of our lives that things like this are happening!: Do not say that this man was a Christian just because a Bible was used: had he placed a copy of Vogue next to them would you then blame the fashion industry?

[willylou11]

Excellent point shay223, I agree that no matter what he used, it was going to be a basis for blame.

[ff1306]

I honestly dont know what to think. Every theory as to why someone would do something like this, I cant make stick.

I used to admire that guy. I started lifting, and training to be a "pro-wrestler". I started living the monatonous life style (8-12 hour shift @ work, the 4 hours of training at night). Im not sure if I want to do this now, after all of this stuff.

I met him backstage a few times at my job, I always thought he was a well put together guy, well respected. He had an incredible work ethic. I guess the wolf really does wear sheeps clothes...

[willylou11]

And I think that the reason so many people are looking for something to blame, be it wrestling, religion or whatever is because we don't know why he did it and we never will. That answer is one Mr. Benoit took to his death. He is the only one that can answer for his actions, and it is an answer we will never hear. Because of this, we as a society are going to look for anyone or anything to blame, just so we can say we have an answer as to why. But we will never have an answer. Mr. Benoit did it, not anyone esle, and we will never know why.

[rvjrvj]

Very sad situation

[hhusted]

enriquecalie, everyone seems to have the stereotype that wrestling is fake. Well l4et me clear the air and tell you it isn't. What happens in the ring is for real. I know because I used to be a part of it. For three years I was a part of WWE and I was in the ring a with some wrestlers. Trust me, I was thrown out of the ring once, picked up and thrown to the mat, and I'll tell you this. I was knocked silly. I didn't even know where I was. I was dizzy for hours afterward. I even had to go to my chiropractor because I threw my back out.

So wrestling is not fake and I am an eyewitness to that fact. So don't go saying something unless you have proof of your claims.

[ff1306]

Amen to that.

It just doesnt add up. Maybe he snapped or whatever...I dont know.


I dont blame the WWE for this. I know McMahon has a drug/steroid policy. Thats why Brian Christopher is no longer with them. Thats why Jeff Hardy was fired awhile back.

I cant find a reason as to why someone would want to take steroids/drugs. If your confident in your abilities, and you can put on a good show, you'll always win the crowd over. Afa told me that, once.

I agree with whomever said about The Rock being smart. I dont agree it was because he quit, I believe it was because he used his talent and WORKED for what he wanted.

[ff1306]

hhusted...

I agree with you. Wrestling maybe scripted. McMahon has acknowledged that himself...Hence the "Entertainment" label, BUT the wrestling itself is real. I have the surgeries to prove it.

[hhusted]

I talked to a friend of mine who is a psychic (a real psychic - not one of those fake ones), and she told me she had a psychic impression that there was someone else involved. She believes that Nancy or Daniel let someone into his home on Friday and committed the murders, then left. When Chris came home, this person went back in and killed Chris.

This is only an impression, but makes sense. We will not know for sure until the investigation is complete.

When I first heard about it I was shocked, because Chris was a family man. He loved his family dearly. Why would he want to kill them. And why would he want to kill himself. He was about to wrestle for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. He had everything going for him. That is why I am baffled and confused. There has to be more to it.

[samthetvcat]

"to get away with it and THEN made a deliberation . . . I hear WWE is a multi-million dollar business much like Halliburton . . ."

Posted by SamTheTVCat at 09:07 AM : Jun 27, 2007

"Wow, really? You must have put some real deep thought into that remark. Get a life and quit being so pathetic. I am tired of reading your comments."
Posted by retmilspouse at 10:15 AM : Jun 27, 2007

'Roid rage in action? How does the First Amendment work again - I thought if a person disagrees with content it's up to them to look away. I don't recall it saying that everybody must agree with retmilspouse or else stop posting because she gets tired and resorts to name-calling. Does that sound reasonable to you??? How do think people are going to respond to those kinds of opinion? If you don't care, then why bother to post?????

[wiccantexan]

There are new details emerging that state the 7-yr-old may have died in a wrestling chokehold. How horrible. The wife had a bruise on her back that indicates she had a knee in her back.

Watch this article to see if they update with the new material.

[hhusted]

ff1306, thank you and amen. I'm glad someone understands and knows what I am talking about.

By the way, just in case no one knows, I met and talked to Vincent McMahon, and he is the nicest guy you will ever meet. He is very humble and always greets you with Mr. or Ms. He is also very soft spoken. What you see in the ring is only his character he has to play.

[aerodog]

He definitely snapped for sure, to have killed his family - especially his little boy. No matter what happened - to commit suicide is a sure-fire way not to enter Heaven, per the Holy Bible. What a shame - suicide is merely a permanent solution to a temporary problem. God have mercy on all of them.

[hhusted]

Actually, even if you commit suicide, Jesus will still resurrect you. This is stated in the book of Revelation. So he'll have another chance at life on Judgment Day.

[mediabrat60]

"Investigators want to know if Benoit was unhinged..."

"I have a friend that is a psychic..."

OMG! Who puts this s*hit in black and white!! I woke up for this dribble?!

Of course he was unhinged! The man was deranged.
And there is no such thing as a "real" psychic, don't you know those voices are from God!

I'm going back to bed where I can have a REAL conversation! With my own voices.....;-)

[willylou11]

ff1306 and hhusted, i respect your opinions, as well as your lively hood, and i have never doubted the realness of what is done inside the ring. I know that the injuries are real, and the wear, tear, and stress on the body is real. Unfortunately, I think we are all getting a bit off subject here, myself included. People keep reverting back to the whole question of pro wrestling is it real or not. I cannot comment on how much involvment wrestling had in these murders, but I do know that, as respected a wrestler as Benoit was, and he was one of my favorites, he still commited a cold and calculating crime that took the lives of his wife and 7 year old son. As far as the comment of the psychic, I cannot comment on, because i personally do not buy into the whole psychic thing. I will pray for the surviving family members to ease their pain and grief, but i will look no farther than I already have to find blame for this tragedy.

[mediabrat60]

hhusted:

Tell me exactly were this is stated in the Bible, in the book of Revelations? I bet you can't.

[retmilspouse]

How do think people are going to respond to those kinds of opinion? If you don't care, then why bother to post?????

Posted by SamTheTVCat

I think you have the right to say stupid things if you like. I just am not going to read them anymore. If you would stop trying to connect everything you read with the political situation here in the US maybe people would take you a little more seriously.

[samthetvcat]

"How do think people are going to respond to those kinds of opinion? If you don't care, then why bother to post?????"
Posted by SamTheTVCat

"I think you have the right to say stupid things if you like. I just am not going to read them anymore. If you would stop trying to connect everything you read with the political situation here in the US maybe people would take you a little more seriously."
Posted by retmilspouse at 11:55 AM : Jun 27, 2007

Wow, so now you speak for the 'people'? First you're rewriting the First Amendment and now you think you're the Declaration of Independence . . . people in glass houses shoulding be pontificating on how to be taken more seriously . . .

[mediabrat60]

"shoulding"......is this a word?