[Archive 2009-07-05] Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair shot dead

Historical archive — originally published 2009-07-05. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Steve McNair, former National Football League (NFL) quarterback was found shot to death in an apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States, around 1:00 PM on July 4, 2009. Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old woman, was also found dead with a gunshot wound in the same apartment. A gun, presumably the murder weapon, was found next to Ms. Kazemi's body. The Tennessean newspaper is calling the death "an apparent murder-suicide."

Kazemi was an employee of the Dave & Buster's restaurant in Opry Mills, Tennessee, and had been dating McNair for several months, according to The Tennessean. McNair was still married to another woman at the time of his death. Two days prior to their deaths, Kazemi had been arrested for driving under the influence in a black 2007 Cadillac Escalade which had been a gift to her from McNair. He was in the car at the time of the arrest; he was not charged with any crime and later bailed her out of jail.

The bodies were discovered around 1:00 PM on July 4, 2009 by Wayne Neely, a friend of McNair. Another friend, Robert Gaddy, called police to report the deaths at 1:35 PM.

Nashville police are still investigating the deaths, and have not ruled out any scenarios. However, they also state that they are not actively pursuing any suspects at this time. They are awaiting an autopsy report on the two deceased before forming any conclusions about the situation.

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