Chad Wheeler, the former offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, has been pronounced guilty on two counts of domestic violence related to an incident involving a former girlfriend, as reported by multiple sources.
The verdict, disclosed on Thursday, includes charges of first- and second-degree domestic violence assault. Notably, Wheeler was found not guilty of unlawful imprisonment, according to reports from ESPN, The Seattle Times, and Sports Illustrated.
A spokesperson from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office informed ESPN that the state might pursue a mandatory maximum sentence of five years for the first-degree assault charge. This decision stems from the jury's determination that Wheeler "used force or means likely to result in death."
Alleah Taylor, Wheeler's former girlfriend and the victim in the case, seemingly responded to the verdict on social media, stating, "I finally have justice."
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has not immediately provided additional details or responded to PEOPLE's request for comment on the verdict.
Chad Wheeler, 29, was arrested in Kent, Washington, in 2021, facing charges of domestic violence assault and unlawful imprisonment in connection with the incident, according to The Seattle Times.
The trial experienced delays due to repeated requests from Wheeler's defense team for expert evaluations, as per the newspaper.
According to charging documents obtained by PEOPLE, Wheeler allegedly conducted a "vicious attack" in the victim's bedroom, strangling her twice until she lost consciousness on the night of his arrest. The documents further detail Wheeler throwing her on the bed, choking and attempting to smother her. Despite Taylor's efforts to resist, Wheeler allegedly twisted her arm.
In an interview with CBS This Morning in February 2021, Taylor recounted the aftermath of the alleged assault, revealing her injuries, including a fractured humerus and dislocated elbow. She described Wheeler sipping a smoothie and callously remarking, "Wow, you're — you're still alive."
Taylor was rescued by the police after sending distress messages to friends and family, leading them to call 911 while she was locked in the bathroom, as per the charging documents. Upon police arrival, Wheeler reportedly apologized to Taylor, asserting, "I don't beat women!"
The Seahawks released Wheeler from the team, condemning the act of domestic violence in a statement. Following Thursday's verdict, Wheeler was taken into custody, with sentencing scheduled for December 14, according to ESPN.
