28-year old Cierre Wood, a former star running back at Notre Dame, and his girlfriend, Amy Taylor, have both been charged with murder in the death of Taylor's five-year old daughter, La-Rayah Davis.
The disturbing details outline how Wood inadvertently killed the girl after making her go through a series of rigorous exercises as "punishment."
Per TMZ Sports:
"Officials say Wood claimed Davis had behavior issues -- he also described her as "chunky" -- so to punish her, Wood would force her to run wind sprints and do sit-ups and wall squats inside their apartment."
"Officials say Wood admitted Davis couldn't complete a second round of sit-ups on April 9 -- and flailed backward, smacking the back of her head against the floor."
"She then got up and swayed -- and then collapsed. She was pronounced dead a short time later."
The girl's mother, Amy Taylor, has also been charged with murder. Taylor, 25, reportedly admitted that her daughter complained of chest pains just days before her death, following an incident where Taylor actually sat on the five-year old's chest to "punish her for misbehaving."
Wood, who spent time with the Texans, Bills, Patriots and Seahawks, and Taylor were held without bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 21, according to Fox News.