Murder-suicide wrestler 'passed drug test'
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has dismissed reports illegal substances played a long-term role in the demise of late wrestler Chris Benoit, claiming that he passed a random drug test in April.
Cops believe the wrestling superstar murdered his wife and seven-year-old son before killing himself at their Atlanta, Georgia home, after authorities discovered their bodies on Monday afternoon.
Detectives believe 40-year-old former World Heavyweight Champion Benoit asphyxiated his wife Nancy and son Daniel on Friday and Saturday respectively, before hanging himself on Sunday.
Anabolic steroids were found at the wrestler's home - the scene of the murders - suggesting the drugs played a role in the family's deaths.
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard alleges needle marks were found on Daniel's arms - insinuating Benoit had injected his son with steroids before killing him.
But the head of WWE believes Benoit's use of illegal substances must be a relatively recent development, because there was no trace of drugs in his system when he undertook a surprise test earlier this year.
"The last test that Chris Benoit took of a random nature was in April which he was totally negative," said WWE chairman Vince McMahon, himself a part-time wrestler.
"Whether or not there were other aspects involving his life that had something to do with his behaviour, hopefully we can find out in some way."
It was reported that Benoit argued with his wife over whether he should stay home more to look after their mentally retarded son days before he apparently killed them.
Daniel suffered from a rare medical condition called Fragile X Syndrome, and an attorney for World Wrestling Entertainment claims the pressures placed on his parents took its toll.
"'I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult, and it's something they were both constantly struggling with," said Jerry McDevitt. "We do know it was a source of stress and consternation.
"(She) wanted him to be at home more to care for the kid. She'd say she can't take care of him by herself when he was on the road."
