Former NFL Athlete Sentenced To Prison Over Death of Little Girl

Former NFL player Cierre Wood’s fall from grace results in life sentence for the tragic death of a 5-year-old girl.

At a Glance

Ex-NFL athlete Cierre Wood sentenced to life in prison for the death of his girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter
Wood pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse
The victim, La’Rayah Davis, died from blunt force injuries in Wood’s Las Vegas apartment
Wood’s football career included stints with Notre Dame, three NFL teams, and the CFL

From Gridiron to Prison: The Fall of Cierre Wood

In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the sports world and left many questioning the character of those we elevate to hero status, former NFL player Cierre Wood has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the death of his girlfriend’s 5-year-old daughter. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our nation’s most vulnerable citizens and the severe consequences that await those who fail in this sacred duty.

Wood, once a promising athlete who played for the prestigious University of Notre Dame and briefly for several NFL teams, including the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills, now faces a life behind bars. The 33-year-old was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years for the murder charge, with an additional consecutive sentence of 28 months to six years for child abuse.

The Tragic Death of La’Rayah Davis

The victim, 5-year-old La’Rayah Davis, died on April 9, 2019, in Wood’s Las Vegas apartment. The Las Vegas coroner’s office determined that the child succumbed to blunt force injuries. In a disturbing revelation, it was reported that Wood forced the young girl to perform physical exercises as a form of punishment, claiming he was “trying to get her on the right path due to her being chunky.”

Former NFL player Cierre Wood is sentenced to life in prison in the murder of his girlfriend's 5-year-old daughter in Las Vegashttps://t.co/pRRHNDXH8M

— Las Vegas Sun (@LasVegasSun) August 13, 2024

However, when an autopsy was performed, a number of serious injuries came to light, such as broken ribs, skull contusions, and a lacerated liver.

This heartbreaking case underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting our children and the importance of proper parenting and disciplinary methods.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Wood entered what is known as an Alford plea – which allows the defendant to accept a plea deal even if they maintain their innocence. This plea resulted in prosecutors dismissing the remaining felony counts of child abuse initially filed against him.

Judge Jacqueline Bluth’s decision to have Wood serve his sentences consecutively sends a strong message about the severity of his crimes. This ruling ensures that Wood will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars, providing a measure of justice for La’Rayah and her family.

A Call for Awareness and Action

As our nation grapples with this tragedy, it’s crucial that we use this moment to raise awareness about child abuse and the resources available to those who may be witnessing or suspecting such heinous acts. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) provides 24/7 crisis intervention, information, and referrals to those in need.

This case serves as a somber reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting the innocent and vulnerable members of our society. As we reflect on this tragic event, let us recommit ourselves to the values that truly make America great: protecting the innocent, upholding justice, and ensuring that no child suffers the fate of young La’Rayah Davis.