NEW YORK – The man who allegedly shot and killed five people at a home in South Carolina on Wednesday before killing himself was former NFL player Phillip Adams, according to a new report.
Prominent York County doctor Robert Lesslie, 70, his wife Barbara Lesslie, 69, and their grandchildren, 9-year-old Adah Lesslie and five-year-old Noah Lesslie, were all pronounced dead at the scene. James Lewis, 38, who was working at the house at the time, was found shot to death outside. A sixth victim sustained ‘serious gunshot wounds’ and was hospitalised,’ York County Sheriff’s Office’s spokesperson Trent Faris said.
Adams, 33, had reportedly been treated by Robert Lesslie, an emergency room doctor. The report said Adams’ parents lived near the Lesslies.
According to the source, Adams allegedly killed himself with a .45-caliber weapon around midnight on Thursday. The York County Sheriff’s Office would not identify the suspect, but said that officers searched the area for hours before finding him in a nearby home.
“We have found the person we believe is responsible and we are with him at this time and that’s all I can say about the suspect,” said Faris. “We are currently at his house and we are serving a search warrant.”
Adams, a cornerback, played in college for South Carolina State. The San Francisco 49ers picked him in the seventh round of the 2010 draft; and he played there until he was released before the 2011 season. He went on to play for five more teams: The New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons. His final year in the NFL was 2015.
Adams’ father Alonzo offered condolences to the shooting victims in an interview with WCNC Charlotte.
“All I can say is we pray for the family. [Robert Lesslie] used to be my doctor a long time ago. I know they were good folks down there. We’re gonna keep them in our prayers.”
Alonzo Adams added: “I can say he’s (Phillip) a good kid. I think the football messed him up.”
