In a tragic turn of events, the son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting his mother. New details have emerged, painting a troubling picture of the days leading up to the incident.
Elijah Bieniemy, 27, was arrested after his mother, Mia, was shot at the family home in Ashburn, Virginia. Mia was critically injured but has since been released from the ICU and is expected to recover. The charges against Elijah include malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling.
Court proceedings have been delayed after Elijah's lawyer requested a mental health evaluation, citing that he "appears to suffer from significant mental health issues" and "does not appear able to assist in his own defense at the present time."
According to police reports obtained by The Athletic, Elijah made a phone call to police two days before the shooting, complaining that his parents were withholding his guns. The caller, identified as a 27-year-old man from the Bieniemy residence, rambled about being a certified UFC fighter and feeling unable to defend himself without his weapons.
The report notes the caller also mentioned having a CPR license and expressed concerns about not being able to help in emergencies. He stated his parents had told him he must surrender his firearms to continue living in the home, but they refused to return them when he wanted to go to the shooting range.
This incident is part of a broader, unsettling pattern of violence involving parents and children in sports families. Just recently, a brawl erupted at a youth softball tournament, and another at a kids' baseball game. While these are different circumstances, they highlight the intense pressures that can exist in athletic households.
Eric Bieniemy has been away from the Chiefs since the shooting, taking time to deal with the family crisis. The NFL community has rallied around him, with Andy Reid offering his support.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on Mia's recovery and Elijah's mental health. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and the potential consequences when they go unheeded.
