Former Notre Dame Football Player May Spend Life in Prison

Source: Former Houston Texans running back Cierre Wood (43) reaches out to make a catch during Texans’ mini camp at the Methodist Training Center Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Houston. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS — You may know Cierre Wood from his years with Notre Dame, or from his time in the NFL’s Houston Texans and the Canadian Football League. Police now say he may spend the rest of his life in prison.

The former football player got a deal where he pled guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse for his role in the death of his then-girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter, La’Rayah Davis.

The girl died in 2019 at Wood’s Vegas apartment. She had suffered “blunt force injuries,” including broken ribs, various bruises, and a lacerated liver.

Source: Fred Vuich / Getty

Some reports indicate that Wood was concerned with Davis’ weight, so he forced her to do exercises. He may have even used exercise as a form of punishment.

His deal involved an Alford plea, which essentially means he can still call himself innocent, and he will be eligible for parole in a decade. In other words, while life in prison is a possibility, it is not a guarantee.

Apparently, Wood’s then-girlfriend – Amy Taylor – also pled guilty to murder and child abuse.

The former running back played with Notre Dame from 2010 to 2012, before going pro. He appeared in seven NFL games over two seasons; three games with the Texans.

Former Texans Player May Spend Life in Prison was originally published on wibc.com