Broncos Defensive Back Darrent Williams Killed in Drive-By

[cathandler]

www.9news.com


DENVER - Less than 24 hours after playing in the last game of the season, the Denver Broncos say 24-year-old Darrent Williams was killed.

According to Denver Police, Williams was killed in an early morning shooting after someone with a gun pulled up alongside the white Hummer stretch limo he was riding in.

Police say that it happened near 11th and Speer at 2:30 a.m. on Monday.

Three people were shot and police say the limo was sprayed with bullets.

Police say the three were taken to area hospitals where Williams was pronounced dead.

The names and conditions of the two other victims, a man and a woman, were not immediately released.

Team spokesman Jim Saccomano says he spoke with Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan and others in the organization after police told him of the incident.

"Complete shock. We're speechless. It takes words away. A terrible tragedy," Saccomano said.

Police say they are still searching for suspects and interviewing witnesses.

Hours before the shooting, the Broncos lost to San Francisco 26-23 in overtime, eliminating them from the playoff race.

Williams played in the first half of the game but sat out the second half with an injury.

However, during the game he had a sack, a forced fumble, and led the team with seven sacks.

Williams, a second-round pick in the 2005 draft out of Oklahoma State, started nine games as a rookie due to injuries. This season, he took over as the starter for Lenny Walls alongside Champ Bailey, and was second on the team with four interceptions and tied for third with 86 tackles.