McNair Death Was Murder; No Ruling on Murder-Suicide

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 5, 2009 5:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – Nashville police ruled Steve McNair's death a homicide today but kept mum on rumors of murder-suicide, the Tennessean reports. An autopsy revealed that two bullets to the head and two to the chest killed the former NFL star; 20-year-old girlfriend Sahel Kazemi, found dead alongside him, died of one to the head. A semiautomatic weapon was beneath her body.

Police are still putting pieces together. McNair, who was married with four sons, had dated Kazemi for 4 months. The pair co-owned a new Escalade, which she was driving when police charged her with driving under the influence last week. Despite rumors, police say Kazemi apparently was not pregnant. Alcohol or drugs may have played a role, but toxicology tests will take weeks.

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Police spokesman Don Aaron answers questions about the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair at a news conference in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, July 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Police spokesman Don Aaron, right, answers questions about the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair at a news conference in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, July 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

A crowd gathers outside of an apartment where the body of Steve McNair was found in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, July 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

Police remove a body out of the Nashville apartment where Steve McNair was shot on Saturday, July 4, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Ed Rode)

This combo shows Steve McNair, left, in a 2003 season file photo and Sahel Kazemi is shown in this undated booking photo from the Davidson County Sheriff. (AP Photo)

In this Sept. 22, 2002 file photo, Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair leaves the field following the team's 31-28 overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Quarterback Steve McNair of the Tennessee Oilers during the Oilers 31-14 win over the Buffalo Bills at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. (Getty Images)

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The victim's sister discusses Sahel Kazemi's relationship with Steve McNair. (msnbc)

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We can’t be close-minded … All scenarios are on the table. We’ve already begun talking to their friends to ascertain any squabbles they were having, were they upset with each other and if so, why. - Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron

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