Did Former NFL Player Jason Reed Commit Murder Because He Had CTE?

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In April, Jason Reed approached the home of Dr. Michael Turner in York County, South Carolina, armed with two firearms. Outside, two HVAC technicians were working; Reed shot them both multiple times, resulting in the death of one technician and forcing his way into Dr. Turner’s residence. Inside, he tragically killed Dr. Turner, his wife Linda, and their two young grandchildren, aged just 5 and 9.

One of the technicians, Eric Smith, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other, Mark Jones, died three days later after calling for help. During the emergency call, he was heard screaming about being shot, illustrating the chaos of the moment. Another nearby resident, who had been mowing his lawn, also noticed the sounds of gunfire and rushed to the scene.

Investigators discovered an item linked to Reed at Dr. Turner’s home, leading them to his family residence, where they eventually found him deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A Community in Shock

The shocking events left the Rock Hill community of around 74,000 residents grappling with the question of why Reed would commit such a heinous act. Local law enforcement expressed their bewilderment, stating, “Nothing about this makes sense.” Dr. Turner was well-respected, having served as a supervising physician at a local university and contributing to various community health initiatives during the pandemic.

Questions arose about Reed’s motive, and his father, Thomas Reed, revealed that Dr. Turner had once been his doctor. However, U.S. Representative Aaron Phillips suggested that Reed had been receiving treatment from Dr. Turner and that a change in his medication might have triggered the violent outburst. This information has yet to be confirmed by law enforcement.

Investigating CTE’s Role

Thomas Reed has requested that his son’s brain be examined for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma. CTE has been found in numerous former NFL players, leading to severe cognitive and behavioral issues, including memory loss, mood swings, and aggression.

Phillip Adams, a former NFL player, had experienced two diagnosed concussions within a short timeframe. His sister mentioned a rapid decline in his mental health, noting that he exhibited concerning changes in behavior and temperament. A former coach described him as a mild-mannered leader in high school, yet acknowledged that the cumulative effects of head trauma could have altered his behavior.

Results from CTE testing could take months, but even if CTE is found, it does not absolve Reed of responsibility for the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

While CTE could be a contributing factor in violent behavior, it does not excuse the senseless nature of the crime. The full story may remain elusive, leaving many unanswered questions in the wake of this devastating event.

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Summary

Jason Reed’s horrific actions have raised questions about the potential impact of CTE and mental health on violent behavior. As the community mourns, investigations continue into the motives behind this tragedy, and the possibility of CTE playing a role in Reed’s actions is explored.