Updated press release (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/06/25/wrestler.dead.ap/index.html?cnn=yes):

Wrestler, family dead
Bodies of Benoit, wife and son discovered in Ga. home
Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 9:24PM; Updated: Tuesday June 26, 2007 7:44AM

Details of the deaths of pro wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and their 7-year-old son may seem "a little bizarre" when released to the public, a prosecutor said.

Authorities were investigating the deaths at a secluded Fayette County home as a murder-suicide and were not seeking any suspects outside the home.

Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "The details, when they come out, are going to prove a little bizarre."

Those details may emerge after the completion of autopsies scheduled for Tuesday.

Investigators believe Benoit, (pronounced ben-WAH,) killed his wife and son over the weekend and then himself sometime Monday. The bodies were found Monday afternoon in three different rooms of the house on Green Meadow Lane, in a subdivision off a gravel road about two miles from Whitewater Country Club.

The autopsies were scheduled to be done at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab in DeKalb County.

Ballard told The Associated Press a gun was not used in any of the deaths. But he declined to say how the three died.

"We're pretty sure we know, but we want to confirm it with the crime lab," Ballard said early Tuesday.

Fayette County Coroner C.J. Mowell did not immediately return phone calls. The answering service for his funeral home said he was out of town.

World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that it asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."

Pope said the three were found about 2:30 p.m., but he would release no other details about the deaths.

Stamford, Conn.-_base_d WWE also said on its Web site it had further information on the deaths of Benoit, 40; his wife, Nancy, 43; and son, Daniel, but had been asked by authorities not to release it.

Benoit, a native of Canada, was born in Montreal. He was a former world heavyweight champion, Intercontinental champion and held several tag-team _title_s over his career. He was known by several names including "The Canadian Crippler."

"WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family's relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy," the federation said in a statement on its Web site.

Benoit was scheduled to perform at the "Vengeance" pay-per-view event Sunday night in Houston, but was replaced at the last minute because of what announcer Jim Ross called "personal reasons."

Benoit maintained a home in metro Atlanta from the time he wrestled for the defunct World Championship Wrestling.

The WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus Christi, Texas, and USA Network aired a three-hour tribute to Benoit in place of the scheduled wrestling telecast.

Benoit's wife managed several wrestlers and went by the stage name, "Woman," The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

They met when her then-husband drew up a _script_ that had them involved in a relationship as part of an ongoing story line on World Championship Wrestling, the newspaper said.

Benoit has two other children from a prior relationship.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Shocking news. I always admired Chris Benoit but if he did kill his family. Well, i'll hear more before condemning him.

So so so so so sad, I'm speechless, RIP.

It also highlights domestic abuse. Benoit to the outside and especilly the wrestling world comes across as such a mild mannered and placid person. It appears he was somewhat different behind closed doors as i read he and Nancy Sullivan had a volatile relationship.

Such a shame that his legacy and reputation as one of the most gifted technical, arial and hard hitting wrestlers will be tarnished.

Details are beginning to emerge now and it's all a bit grim.

TMZ.com is reporting that several Atlanta-_base_d law enforcement sources told them that Chris Benoit may have strangled his wife Nancy on Saturday, then smothered his 7-year-old son, Daniel, in his bed a day later on Sunday. On Monday, he then hung himself, reportedly in the weight room of his Georgia home.

More details are expected to be released by officials later today. Investigators refused to officially comment on the matter, pending final confirmation by the coroner on the cause and time of the deaths.

_link_ to story here:
http://www.tmz.com/2007/06/26/benoit-murder-details-revealed/

Also of note, WWE have now removed the Benoit tribute front page from their website, along with his profile page and all merchandise.

Just to echo Scouseoddysey's comment that it's a shame one of the greatest technical wrestlers of our time will not be remembered for his in ring talent.

Details are beginning to emerge now and it's all a bit grim.

TMZ.com is reporting that several Atlanta-_base_d law enforcement sources told them that Chris Benoit may have strangled his wife Nancy on Saturday, then smothered his 7-year-old son, Daniel, in his bed a day later on Sunday. On Monday, he then hung himself, reportedly in the weight room of his Georgia home.

Also of note, WWE have now removed the Benoit tribute front page from their website, along with his profile page and all merchandise.


Quite properly too.
He can go rot in hell.

RI anything but P Benoit