The brother of a former Pittsburgh Steelers fan favorite is facing a double life sentence in prison for murder. Marcus Randle El is the brother of former Steelers wide receiver, Antwaan Randle El.
Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers' Antwaan Randle El throws a 43-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL.
Antwaan was selected by the Steelers in the 2002 NFL Draft in the second round. He had an immediate impact on special teams and as a punt and kick returner. He became a fan favorite as a part of the very popular trick plays the Steelers frequently employed. As a college quarterback, he was able to bring a unique skill set to the team, like fellow teammate and receiver Hines Ward who had played quarterback in college.
In 2004, he threw his first professional touchdown pass against the New York Giants. He did it again in 2005 in a much grander fashion. In Super Bowl XL, he had a 43-yard reverse touchdown pass to Ward that clinched the game for the Steelers over the Seattle Seahawks. That made him only the third non-quarterback and the first receiver in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl.
Antwaan left the Steelers in 2006 for the then Washington Redskins (now Commanders) where he played until he was released in 2010. He returned to Pittsburgh and stayed for two additional seasons. He is now a wide receivers coach with the Detroit Lions.
Former Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El And Family Are Devastated Over Brothers Incarnation
Marcus, Antwaan's younger brother was charged with and found guilty of two counts of first-degree homicide, as well as other charges stemming from the shooting of Brittany McAdory and Seairaha Winchester. The murders took place in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Seairaha Winchester, 30 (left), and Brittany McAdory, 27 (right), were reportedly shot by Marcus Randle El to avoid law enforcement finding out about his drug dealing.
A former University of Wisconsin wide receiver and kick returner, Marcus reportedly suspected that Winchester was acting as an informant to the police about his drug dealing. Unfortunately, McAdory was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was killed by Marcus to eliminate any witnesses.
The two women and their lifeless and bleeding bodies were found on the side of the road in Janesville by a passing motorist. They were taken to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.
The murder weapon was not recovered, however, there were text messages and footage from surveillance cameras that connected him to the victims. Including texts where he planned to meet them that evening.
Justine Watson, the mother of Winchester spoke in court.
"To see my daughter laying there lifeless was heartbreaking. What was even worse was knowing her daughters have to now go through life without their mother."
While Marcus did not speak up for himself, in court his brother did. During the sentencing phase of the trial, Antwaan pled on his brother's behalf. He told the court that Marcus is not the same person he has always been.
"This is not who he is or who we have come to know. All I'm asking judge is to give him (an) opportunity."
Andy Manis | Credit: AP
The former University of Wisconsin wide receiver, Marcus Randle El, has been charged with two counts of murder.
There is a possibility that Marcus could be given an early release after serving 60 years. Marcus is currently 33, which means he would have to live well into his 90's to get a taste of freedom. The Rock County Judge Barbara McCrory said that there is no guarantee that a request for release will be granted.
"It is not that if he (Randle El) petitions, he will automatically get out... the decision will be made based on the individual circumstances of the case at that time. Marcus Randle El's football career may be over, but the impact of his actions will be felt for the rest of his life."
This isn't Marcus's first encounter with law enforcement. In 2005, he was charged with battery for an assault of a woman on campus and then again for battery for hitting a teammate later that year. Then in 2018 he served time for abducting his daughter at gunpoint.
This tragic story leaves multiple families broken and devastated dealing with the loss of a loved one. The members of Steeler Nation send their thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of all involved.
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