Former NFL Player Phillip Adams Kills Five And Then Himself
The suspect who killed five people in South Carolina has been identified as former NFL player Phillip Adams. He killed himself early Thursday. He was 32-years-old.
One of the victims was Dr. Robert Lesslie, he lived near Adams’ family and had treated him before. Lesslie’s wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69, was also pronounced dead at the scene with their grandchildren Adah Lesslie, 9, and Noah Lesslie, 5.
RELATED: NFL Launches Investigation After 9 Women Accuse Houston Texan Deshaun Watson Of Sexual Assault
Another man who had been working at the home, James Lewis, 38, was also killed. One person is currently hospitalized.
Adams’ father believed football could have been the trigger for the murders.
“I can say he’s a good kid — he was a good kid, and I think the football messed him up,” Alonzo Adams said to WCNC-TV. “He didn’t talk much and he didn’t bother nobody.”
Adams’ agent also expressed that the actions were not something he would do.
“He was part of my family. I loved him. He’s a great kid, a great guy. This is so unlike him. He had to not be in his right mind, obviously,” said Scott Casterline.
“All of us who knew Philip are shaking our heads. He struggled away from the game. I tried to get him to come to Texas. I was going to find him a job, but he wouldn’t leave South Carolina because he had a son. He was a good father.”
“Seeing Philip shoot two kids, it’s not him. I can’t fathom it. It’s devastating for the victims and the families,” Casterline added.
Adams played in 78 NFL games. He was part of the 49ers and also played for New England, Seattle, Oakland and the Jets before retiring with the Falcons in 2015.