Elijah Bieniemy, son of Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, will delay his court appearance until after a mental health competency evaluation. The court records confirm this decision.
The 27-year-old was taken into custody on charges including malicious wounding and firearm offenses after allegedly shooting his mother, Mia. The incident occurred at their home in Ashburn, Virginia. She suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest and subsequent charges in an official statement.
A legal representative for Elijah submitted a court filing indicating that Elijah seems to have significant mental health challenges. The filing also suggested that he is currently unable to aid in his legal defense. This has led to the granting of a mental health competency evaluation.
Elijah’s defense had temporarily withdrawn a motion for another mental health evaluation.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 9, coinciding closely with the Chiefs’ game against the Denver Broncos as they start the 2026 NFL season.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Mia’s condition, stating at a media briefing that she is “doing great” and has been moved out of the ICU. “EB is still with her,” Reid noted, emphasizing the importance of family support during this time.
After his arrest, Elijah was placed in the Loudon County Adult Detention Center without the possibility of bond.
In the NFL, the Chiefs’ coaching staff and team members gather at Missouri Western State’s campus for their training camp under Eric Bieniemy’s leadership. Bieniemy returned to the Chiefs this offseason after stints with the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, and UCLA.
During his previous role as offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022, Bieniemy led one of the most effective offenses, contributing to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl triumphs during those years.