Chad Wheeler found guilty on two domestic violence counts

SEATTLE — Chad Wheeler, a former NFL offensive lineman, was convicted of two counts of domestic violence related to a 2021 incident with his then-girlfriend.

Wheeler, who was a backup tackle for the Seattle Seahawks at the time, was taken into custody in January 2021 after allegedly pinning the woman down and choking her until she lost consciousness. The woman, Alleah Taylor, reported that when she regained consciousness for the second time, Wheeler seemed surprised that she was still alive.

Taylor suffered a fractured humerus and dislocated elbow as a result of the incident.

Following the verdict, Taylor posted on Twitter, “I finally have justice.”

Wheeler, who has bipolar disorder, claimed he was in a “manic episode” during the assault. Taylor expressed uncertainty about whether Wheeler’s mental health played a role in the attack. Wheeler pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment, and resisting arrest.

After the incident, the Seahawks waived Wheeler, and he has not been signed to an NFL team since then. The trial faced several delays due to continuances requested by the defense. A King County jury found Wheeler guilty of first- and second-degree assault/domestic violence, but not guilty of unlawful imprisonment.

According to a spokesperson from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the jury determined that Wheeler “used force or means likely to result in death,” which could lead to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the first-degree assault charge. The severity of Taylor’s injuries also allows the State to seek a sentence above the standard range for the second-degree assault charge.

Wheeler has been taken into custody and is set to be sentenced on Dec. 14.