Former NFL running back Cierre Wood has been sentenced to life in prison for the tragic murder of a 5-year-old girl. Wood admitted to subjecting her to strenuous exercise as a form of punishment due to her weight.
According to an NBC report, the child was discovered deceased in Wood’s Las Vegas apartment in April 2019. The child had suffered from multiple injuries, including 20 broken ribs, a lacerated liver, internal bleeding, and bruises to her heart and diaphragm.
La’Rayah Davis was the daughter of Wood’s girlfriend, Amy Taylor, 31, who also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse charges.
According to reports, Taylor allegedly admitted to sitting on the child as a form of discipline when speaking to the police. According to reports, Wood stated that Davis fell backwards and injured her head while performing sit-ups.
As per an arrest warrant obtained by News 3 in Las Vegas, Wood allegedly compelled her to engage in physical activities such as sprints, sit-ups, and wall squats within the apartment.
The former NFL star informed the authorities that he was attempting to guide her towards a healthier lifestyle.
According to News 3, the autopsy findings showed that the child had multiple contusions on their skull.
Wood, 33, was selected by the Houston Texans from Notre Dame and had stints on the reserve and practice squads with several NFL teams including the New England Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Buffalo Bills. He later played in Canada with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Montreal Alouettes.
According to the Associated Press, Wood has admitted to second-degree murder and felony child abuse. After serving 10 years, Wood will be eligible for parole. He entered an Alford plea, which is a way for him to admit guilt while still asserting his innocence.