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Fighter, Wife Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Levens had been banned from mixed martial arts circuit for pain killer

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 19, 2008 5:47 AM CST
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(Newser) – An extreme martial arts fighter known as "the executioner" and his wife have been found dead in their California home in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide, reports the Los Angeles Times. A gun was found next to the body of Justin Levens, 28, who died from a gunshot to his head. His 25-year-old wife was shot in the heart.

Levens, a former contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting, was banned from competition earlier this year by the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for a banned pain-killer, and had recently been plagued by losses. The deaths appeared to be similar to the situation police found last year at the home of professional wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and young son before committing suicide.

Justin Levens of the Condors has his hands taped before contests begin for the International Fight League at Oracle Arena last year in Oakland, Calif.
Justin Levens of the Condors has his hands taped before contests begin for the International Fight League at Oracle Arena last year in Oakland, Calif.   (Getty Images)
Justin Levens of the California Condors poses in the locker room before matches begin for the International Fight League at Oracle Arena last year in Oakland, Calif.
Justin Levens of the California Condors poses in the locker room before matches begin for the International Fight League at Oracle Arena last year in Oakland, Calif.   (Getty Images)
Justin Levens of the Southern California Condors weighs in at the International Fight League contests last year.
Justin Levens of the Southern California Condors weighs in at the International Fight League contests last year.   (Getty Images)
Justin Levens of the Southern California Condors (left) gears up for a fight last year.
Justin Levens of the Southern California Condors (left) gears up for a fight last year.   (Getty Images)
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murder-suicide • ultimate fighting • mixed martial arts • martial arts • extreme sports

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