Pro Running Back Murdered for Insurance Settlement, Prosecutors Allege

August 28, 2000

The estranged wife of Indianapolis Colts running back Fred Lane is suspected of murdering her husband last month to collect on a $5 million insurance policy taken out on him earlier this year. According to prosecutors at last week’s bond hearing, Deidra Lane “laid in wait to kill him” upon his return home July 6 from Nashville, Tenn., where he had been staying with relatives.

The 24-year-old running back was shot in the chest and head as he walked in the front door. Mecklenburg County Superior Court Judge Richard Boner ruled Lane could be released on $100,000 secured bond. Prosecutors have not decided on whether to pursue the death penalty, but told the judge Lane’s premeditation could qualify as a capital offense.

According to prosecutors, the Lanes had been separated for several months because Deidra had been spending all of their money. According to court documents, when police arrived at the residence, Fred Lane’s keys were still in the door. His bags were in the foyer and a 12-gauge shotgun was on the floor.

Was this article valuable?

Here are more articles you may enjoy.