In the long-awaited conclusion to the trial, former NFL offensive lineman Chad Wheeler, who has bipolar disorder, was found guilty on Thursday of two counts of domestic violence assault against his ex-girlfriend, Alleah Taylor.
The verdict, delivered by a King County (Wash.) jury, includes single counts of first- and second-degree domestic violence assault.
The case stems from a deeply disturbing incident in January 2021 when Wheeler, at the time a player for the Seattle Seahawks, was arrested for allegedly pinning Alleah Taylor to the ground and choking her on two separate occasions, causing her to lose consciousness both times.
The severity of the assault left Taylor with a fractured humerus and dislocated elbow.
During the trial in October, Taylor detailed the harrowing events, revealing that Wheeler had demanded she “bow down” to him.
When she refused, a violent assault ensued, leaving her fearing for her life that fateful night.
Chad Wheeler’s journey in the NFL began as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2017.
Despite the obstacles, he managed to make a mark in the league, playing for the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to 2020.
However, his promising career took a dark turn when he faced charges of three counts of felony domestic violence, leading to his release from the Seahawks.
Following the guilty verdict, Alleah Taylor took to Twitter to express her relief, posting a powerful messag:
“I finally have justice.”
I finally have justice 🙏🏽❤️
— Alleah taylor (@alleah_taylor1) November 10, 2023
With Chad Wheeler now in custody, the sentencing is scheduled for December 14.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has signaled that the severity of the assault may result in a mandatory five-year sentence for the first-degree assault charge.
The elevated second-degree accusation, compounded by the factor considering Taylor’s injuries, may result in a sentence surpassing the usual magnitude.
