Anthony Wayne Smith spent seven years as a menacing defensive end for the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders, and his mission was to put quarterbacks on the turf.
Authorities believe that penchant for a game of violence turned into something more sinister shortly after Smith departed professional football.
Already awaiting retrial after a jury in April failed to reach a verdict for a murder four years ago, Smith was charged this week with three additional murders.
Smith, 45, was drafted 11th overall by the Raiders in 1990.
Smith retired in 1998 and according to authorities took part in the murders of Kevin and Ricky Nettles in November 1999.
The siblings were kidnapped from a car wash in Los Angeles by two men posing as police officers, and they were later found shot to death.
Smith also was charged in the June 2001 killing of Dennis Henderson, who, along with another man, was kidnapped in L.A. by several gunmen. The victims were put in separate cars, and while the other man was let go, Henderson’s body was found in a rental car.
Investigators said the former NFL player lived next door to Henderson’s brother.
“We believe these were robberies, but we don’t know the motive behind them,” said police Cmdr. Andrew Smith, who has no relation to the suspect.
In a court filing, prosecutors said all three victims were tortured. Smith is eligible for the death penalty.
The Associated Press
