NFL Player Phillip Adams Killed 5 People, Himself Included

Investigators say former NFL player, Phillip Adams gunned down 5 people including himself in South Carolina early Thursday. Among those 5 he killed included a well-known doctor. Adams had been previously treated by the doctor in which his parents does not live that far from in Rock Hill. Investigators say Adams killed himself with a .45-caliber handgun right after midnight.
The York County Sheriff’s Office say they searched for several hours before they were able to find Adams in a home nearby.
Adams, 33, played in the NFL for 6 teams over 5 seasons. He played in a total of 78 NFL games. He played as a safety and special teams’ player for South Carolina State. Adams then joined the 49ers in 2010 as a seventh-round draft pick.
Adams’ had also played for New England, Atlanta, Seattle, Oakland and the New York Jets, finishing his career of with the Falcons in 2015.
Adams suffered from a severe ankle injury in 2010 that led to surgery that included several screws having been inserted into his leg, he never played for the 49ers again. He was released right before the 2011 season and signed with New England. In 2013 Adams was only on the Roster with the Raiders for a full season.
Dr. Robert Lesslie, 70, along with his wife, Barbara Lesslie, 69, were found deceased at the scene along with their grandchildren Adah Lesslie, 9, and Noah Lesslie, 5, according to the York County Coroner’s office.
Another victim, James Lewis, 38, who was working at the home at the time was also shot to death outside. A sixth person was rushed to the hospital with ‘serious gunshot wounds’ York County Sheriff’s Office’s Spokesperson Trent Faris released in a statement.
“We have found the person we believe is responsible and we are with him at this time and that’s all I can say about the suspect,” Faris said, adding they don’t believe any other suspects are involved. “We are currently at his house and we are serving a search warrant.”
Dr. Robert Lesslie has worked as an emergency room doctor for decades in Rock Hill, also board certified in both emergency medicine and occupational medicine as well as served as emergency department medical director upwards of 15 years at Rock Hill General Hospital, according to his website.
He also founded two urgent care centers and wrote a weekly medical column for The Charlotte Observer newspaper. Also being an author, Dr. Lesslie wrote a book titled “Angels in the ER,” writing in terms of “inspiring true stories” from his time spend in the emergency department.
“I know without a doubt that life is fragile,” Lesslie wrote, according to an excerpt. “I have come to understand that humility may be the greatest virtue. And I am convinced we need to take the time to say the things that we deeply feel to the people we deeply care about.”
Faris added that Lesslie was a very well known in the Rock Hill community.