Patriots: Former cornerback identified as shooting suspect in murder-suicide

The vibes surrounding the New England Patriots have been overwhelmingly positive since the start of free agency. Not only did they go on their biggest spending spree in franchise history, but all signs are pointing to them trading up to draft their quarterback of the future.

Unfortunately, however, we have to put these optimistic feelings on pause for a moment, as another troubling story has emerged regarding a former Patriots player.

It was just last week when former wideout Kenbrell Thompkins was charged with identify theft, and we believed that to be the darkest story we’d encounter.

Fast forward a week later and former cornerback Phillip Adams, who spent part of the 2011 season with New England, was identified as the suspect who shot and killed five people, including a well-known doctor, in South Carolina before turning the gun on himself.

Per reports, the murder-suicide included a sixth victim, who was hospitalized with what authorities described as “serious gunshot wounds.”

Absolutely dreadful.

Former Patriots cornerback Phillip Adams was identified as the suspect in a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of five people.

Here’s the story from York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson that led authorities to Adams as a potential suspect, as reported by CBS Boston. Fair warning to readers: the details are extremely disturbing, so proceed with caution.

"“Tolson said evidence left at the scene of the shooting led them to Adams as a suspect. He said they went to Adams’ parents’ home, evacuated them and then tried to talk Adams out of the house. Eventually, they found him dead of a single gunshot wound to the head in a bedroom, he said.”“She (neighbor Allison Hope), said they spent hours negotiating with Phillip Adams, using a loudspeaker and sending in a robot to scan the house. She said authorities repeatedly asked Adams to come out, and promised to get his disabled mother out safely, before Adams shot himself.”"

Adams spent six years in the NFL with six different teams, appearing in 78 games and recording 128 tackles, 15 passes defended, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He played just six games for the Patriots in 2011 in a reserve role at cornerback.

Adams was drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2010 Draft, but his rookie season was derailed by a gruesome ankle injury that required surgery. That injury, coupled with multiple concussions, really made it difficult for him to establish himself as a consistent player.

Putting the history of Adams’ career aside, football is obviously irrelevant in the big picture here and we extend our sincerest condolences to everyone who was affected by this unspeakable tragedy.

Former Patriots WR charged with identity theft and unemployment fraud

The United States Attorney's Office is accusing former Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins with identity theft and unemployment fraud.