Former New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Chad Wheeler was found guilty Thursday on two counts of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, according to ESPN.
A King County (Wash.) jury found Wheeler guilty on single counts of first- and second-degree domestic violence assault, but not guilty on unlawful imprisonment, per the Seattle Times.
In January 2021, Wheeler – then with the Seahawks – was arrested after allegedly pinning his then-girlfriend, Alleah Taylor, to the ground and twice choking her, which resulted in her losing consciousness both times, according to ESPN.
Taylor suffered a fractured humerus and dislocated elbow, and she said Wheeler told her after she regained consciousness for the second time he was surprised she was still alive, per ESPN.
She testified in court in October that she thought she was going to die, per the Seattle Times, and told police she was “being killed” on the night on the attack.
“I finally have justice 🙏🏽❤️,” Taylor posted on X on Thursday night.
Wheeler, who played for the Giants from 2017-18 and one season with the Seahawks in 2020, said he had a “manic episode” during the incident, per ESPN.
The ex-offensive lineman reportedly has bipolar disorder.
He originally pleaded not guilty and his trial was delayed several times since his defense team requested to “get expert evaluations done,” according to the Seattle Times.
Wheeler has been taken into custody and his sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 14.
A King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson said Wheeler “used force or means likely to result in death” and the state can seek a mandatory of five years for the first-degree assault charge, according to ESPN.
The second-degree charge “carries an aggravator” based on Taylor’s injuries, per ESPN, which allows the State to seek a sentence that goes beyond a typical amount.
The Seahawks waived Wheeler after his arrest and the 29-year-old USC product has not played in the NFL since.
He played in 27 games with the Giants, including 19 starts.