Steroids Found in System of Chris Benoit

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Pro wrestler Chris Benoit had steroids and other drugs in his system when he killed his wife and young son last month before hanging himself in the family’s home, investigators said earlier today.

Benoit’s body contained elevated levels of testosterone, which appeared to have been injected, as well as the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the painkiller hydrocodone, according to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI said Benoit tested negative for alcohol.

Dr. Kris Sperry also said Benoit’s 7-year-old son, Daniel, was sedated when he was killed and that his wife, Nancy Benoit, had prescription drugs in her system.

But Sperry said the results do not show whether steroids were linked to the killings last month at the Benoits’ suburban Atlanta home.

As ESPN reviewed, Benoit killed his wife and son, placed Bibles next to their bodies and then hanged himself on the cable of a weight machine.

Anabolic steroids were found in the home, raising questions about whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as “roid rage.”

Benoit’s wife tested positive for Xanax, hydrocodone and the painkiller hydromorphone. Daniel Benoit had Xanax in his system, authorities said.

The GBI said it could not perform tests for steroids or human growth hormones on the son because of a lack of urine.

Federal authorities have charged Benoit’s personal physician, Dr. Phil Astin, with improperly prescribing painkillers and other drugs to two patients other than Benoit. He has pleaded not guilty.