Former NFL Star Sergio Brown Maintains Innocence with Not Guilty Plea in Mother's Death Case

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Dec 07, 09:40 am

Photo: (Photo : by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash)

In a recent court proceeding, former NFL player Sergio Brown pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and concealing a homicide in connection with the death of his mother, Myrtle Brown, last September. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting a tragic and complex situation involving a once-celebrated athlete.

Shocking Discovery: The Death of Myrtle Brown Ruled a Homicide

Myrtle Brown, aged 73, was found deceased near a creek in Maywood, approximately 12 miles west of Chicago, on September 16. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office concluded that she died from blunt force trauma sustained during an assault, officially ruling her death a homicide. This revelation has added a layer of gravity to the already somber case.

Sergio Brown, 35, shared a residence with his mother in Maywood, further complicating the dynamics of the case. The investigation took a significant turn when Brown was arrested in San Diego on October 10, following his deportation from Mexico. He was extradited to Maywood two weeks later.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Brown had traveled to Mexico with his mother's belongings and had been using her credit card in the days following her death.

The prosecution's case includes DNA evidence, with investigators noting similarities between DNA samples found under Myrtle Brown's fingernails and a toothbrush in Sergio Brown's bedroom. Robert Fox, Brown's public defender, has however disputed this evidence. In a statement during a detention hearing in October, Fox emphasized the lack of direct evidence linking Brown to the crime, describing the prosecution's case as circumstantial.

"There's no direct evidence. It's all circumstantial," Fox stated, casting doubt on the strength of the prosecution's case and highlighting the complexities involved in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in such cases.

Remembering Sergio Brown's Athletic Career: From High School to the NFL

Sergio Brown had a distinguished athletic career prior to this turn of events, having played football at Proviso East High School and then at Notre Dame during his collegiate years. He went on to play professionally with the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. His transition from a sports figure to a defendant in a high-profile criminal case has been a source of both shock and sadness among those who knew him in both capacities.

Brown is scheduled to appear in court again on January 24, where the case will continue to unfold. The charges against him are severe, and if convicted, he faces a significant prison sentence. This case not only highlights the personal tragedy of the Brown family but also raises questions about the circumstances leading to such a drastic outcome.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community and Brown's former colleagues and fans are left to grapple with the stark contrast between his past as a professional athlete and his current situation. The case against Sergio Brown is a reminder of the unpredictable and often tragic turns life can take, transcending the boundaries of fame and fortune.