Chris Benoit: A History of Violence

Even more ugly details regarding the death of Chris Benoit and his wife Nancy are coming to the forefront.

In divorce papers filed in 2003, Nancy Benoit included a petition for protection from domestic abuse against Chris. In the papers TMZ discovered, Nancy claimed that Benoit, "lost his temper and threatened to strike the petitioner and cause extensive damage to the home and personal belongings of the parties, including furniture."

Nancy added that she was, "in reasonable fear for petitioner's own safety and that of the minor child."

Three months later, Nancy filed to have the divorce papers and the restraining order dismissed. A short time later, a judge granted her wish. The couple's son, Daniel, was also found dead over the weekend.

As the celebrity gossip site first reported, law enforcement sources told TMZ they believe Benoit strangled his wife on Saturday, smothered his son on Sunday and then hanged himself on Monday.