Former NFL player accused of killing mother

Former NFL player De'Von Hall is the accused suspect in the brutal murder of his mother, Alecia Benson.

A feature from Nathan Fenno of The Los Angeles Times shed some light on the downward spiral of Hall's life and the alleged beating that led to Benson's death.

At the forefront of Hall's story is his apparent battle with mental illness. While some former teammates have a theory that a party incident during his NFL days resulted in a drug addiction, family members believe a head injury suffered in 2009 led to changes in his personality.

"The NFL, in my opinion, should've done a better job in making sure they took care of this kid," uncle Tony Benson told The Times.

Hall's lone experience on an NFL roster came in 2009, where he appeared in four games for the Indianapolis Colts.

Currently in jail on a $1-million bail, the 29-year-old pleaded not guilty. Criminal proceedings have been suspended while a mental evaluation is ordered for Hall.