NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The gun found at the scene where Steve McNair was found dead Saturday was purchased by his girlfriend two days before the couple was found shot to death.
Nashville police spokesperson Don Aaron told The Associated Press that Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old woman that the married McNair had reportedly been dating for several months, purchased the semiautomatic handgun Thursday from an unidentified person.
The 36-year-old McNair, who led the Tennessee Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead at his condominium in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Officials said the quarterback was shot twice in both the head and chest. Kazemi was found lying nearby with a single gunshot to the head.
On Sunday, authorities investigating the former NFL star’s death confirmed that McNair was the victim of a homicide.
Police are still awaiting ballistic and gunpowder residue tests before determining whether Kazemi was slain or committed suicide.
The bodies were discovered in the afternoon by Wayne Neeley, a longtime friend of McNair’s who rented the condo with him.
McNair’s wife, Mechelle, whom he married in 1997, has been described as “very distraught.” She and her husband were parents to four children, all sons. Police said she is not likely involved in the shooting.
Details about McNair’s relationship with Kazemi are still fuzzy. It is believed that the pair met while Kazemi was working as a waitress at the restaurant Dave & Busters.
On the same day that Kazemi purchased the gun, she was arrested by Nashville police on a DUI charge. The 2007 Escalade that she was driving was registered to her and McNair. The four-time Pro Bowler was a passenger and allowed to leave by taxi following the arrest.
