Police confirm girlfriend shot McNair before committing suicide

The former American gridiron star Steve McNair was asleep on the sofa when he was shot dead by his young mistress in a murder-suicide last weekend.

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NASHVILLE // The former American gridiron star Steve McNair was asleep on the sofa when he was shot dead by his young mistress in a murder-suicide last weekend. The police confirmed on Wednesday that Sahel Kazemi, 20, killed McNair by shooting him four times before shooting herself once in the head. "McNair was seated on the sofa and likely asleep and we believe that Kazemi shot him in the right temple, then shot him twice in the chest and then shot him a final time in the left temple," a spokesman said.

The Nashville police had said earlier that the former Tennessee Titan and Baltimore Raven player had been murdered but waited four days before ruling on the type of death for Kazemi. Police said they don't know the exact motive for the killing but stated that Kazemi had been distraught in recent weeks about making ends meet financially. She feared her rent was going to double because a roommate was moving out on her. She was also making payments on two cars and dealing with a drunk driving episode. "She told friends and associates that her life was all messed up and that she was going to end it all," the spokesman said.

Media reports said that the wife of the 36-year-old McNair, a father of four, did not know about the affair. The gun was purchased illegally by Kazemi a few days ago. A three-time all-star, McNair shared the most valuable player of the NFL award in 2003. In 161 games (153 starts), McNair threw for 31,304 yards with 174 touchdowns. McNair last played in the NFL in 2007 for the Ravens. He was a former third overall pick by Houston in the NFL's 1995 entry draft.

* AFP