I don't mind Professional Wrestlers taking steroids, as such. In fact, I may prefer it. The practice gives them awesome bodies worth drooling over. And while I had stopped watching Pro Wrestling regularly for over a decade, I do enjoy catching the occasional match on telly - I even attended a live match in Oakland with TJ about 8 years ago - and recently found a few recorded matches on some old VHS tapes in some old boxes.
But there is a bit of a downside, apparently...
But there is a bit of a downside, apparently...
ATLANTA (AP) -- Investigators are looking into who altered pro wrestler Chris Benoit's Wikipedia entry to mention his wife's death hours before authorities discovered the bodies of the couple and their 7-year-old son.
Benoit's Wikipedia entry was altered early Monday to say that the wrestler had missed a match two days earlier because of his wife's death.
A Wikipedia official, Cary Bass, said Thursday that the entry was made by someone using an Internet protocol address registered in Stamford, Connecticut, where World Wrestling Entertainment is based.
An IP address, a unique series of numbers carried by every machine connected to the Internet, does not necessarily have to be broadcast from where it is registered. The bodies were found in Benoit's home in suburban Atlanta, and it's not known where the posting was sent from, Bass said.
Benoit strangled his wife and son during the weekend, placing Bibles next to their bodies, before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine in his home, authorities said. No motive was offered for the killings, which were discovered Monday.
Officials raid office of Benoit's doctor
Also Thursday, federal drug agents said they had raided the west Georgia office of a doctor who prescribed testosterone to Benoit.
The raid at Dr. Phil Astin's office in Carrollton began Wednesday night and concluded early Thursday, said agent Chuvalo Truesdell, a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration. No arrests were made.
Hours before the raid, Astin told The Associated Press he had treated Benoit for low testosterone levels, which he said likely originated from previous steroid use.
Among other things, investigators were looking for Benoit's medical records to see whether he had been prescribed steroids and, if so, whether that prescription was appropriate, according to a law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity because records in the case remain sealed.
Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but would not say what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office Friday.
State medical records show that Astin's privileges were suspended for three months in 2001 at a Georgia hospital for "reasons related to competence or character."
Astin did not return calls to his cell phone from the AP on Thursday.
Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard said in a statement Thursday that he could not immediately comment on the raid.
Benoit's page on Wikipedia, a reference site that allows users to add and edit information, was updated at 12:01 a.m. Monday, about 14 hours before authorities say the bodies were found. The reason he missed a match Saturday night was "stemming from the death of his wife Nancy," it said.
Reporters informed the Fayette County district attorney's office of the posting Thursday, and the agency forwarded the information to sheriff's investigators, who are looking into it, a legal assistant said in an e-mail to the AP.
WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt said that to his knowledge, no one at the WWE knew Nancy Benoit was dead before her body was found Monday afternoon. Text messages released by officials show that messages from Chris Benoit's cell phone were being sent to co-workers a few hours after the Wikipedia posting.
WWE employees are given WWE e-mail addresses, McDevitt said, though he did not know whether Chris Benoit had one.
"I have no idea who posted this," McDevitt said. "It's at least possible Chris may have sent some other text message to someone that we're unaware of. We don't know if he did. The phone is in the possession of authorities."
On Thursday afternoon, the Wikipedia page about Benoit carried a note stating that editing by unregistered or newly registered users was disabled until July 8 because of vandalism.
In other developments Thursday, Ballard told the AP that 10 empty beer cans were found in a trash can in the Benoit home. An empty wine bottle was found a few feet from where Benoit hanged himself, Ballard said.
It could take several weeks for toxicology tests to be completed on Benoit to see what substances, if any, were in his system.
Benoit took four months off from work in 2006 for undisclosed personal reasons, McDevitt said.
"He was feeling depressed, that kind of thing," McDevitt said.
In the days before the killings, Benoit and his wife argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their mentally retarded 7-year-old son, according to an attorney for the WWE wrestling league.
The child had a rare medical condition called Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited form of mental retardation often accompanied by autism.
Chris Benoit's father, Michael Benoit, declined to comment on the slayings when reached Thursday by telephone in Alberta, Canada. Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
and from wikapediea:
On June 25, Benoit, his wife Nancy, and their 7-year-old son Daniel were found dead in their Fayetteville, Georgia, home at around 2:30 PM EDT.[84] Fayette County, Georgia police are currently investigating this case. Lieutenant Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department reported to ABC News that sheriffs entered his home on a "welfare check" after missing several appointments, leading to concerns.[85] Pope also stated the police are not searching for any suspects outside of the house, as the instruments of death were located at scene of the crime.[86]
Detective Bo Turner of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told television station WAGA-TV that the case was being treated as a murder-suicide. The station reported that investigators believe that Benoit murdered his wife and son over the weekend and committed suicide sometime on Monday.[87]
During a press conference Tuesday, June 26, Fayette County district attorney Scott Ballard confirmed that Chris Benoit had murdered his wife and son. His wife was bound at the wrists and feet, while there were no signs of restraint on his son, both died of asphyxiation. It is reported that his wife died on Friday, his son died on Saturday, and Benoit killed himself later Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. Benoit's body was found dead of asphyxiation and hanging by the cord of a weight machine in his basement. It was also reported that there was a Bible by both Nancy and Daniel's bodies.[88]
On Wednesday, June 28, County's District Attorney Scott Ballard explained Benoit may have killed his son with a chokehold. He said the boy had internal injuries to the throat area, but showed no bruises, indicating he may have been locked in the crook of his father's arm. Nancy Benoit had bruises on her back and stomach consistent with someone pressing a knee into the small of the back while pulling on a cord around the neck. Benoit killed himself by wrapping a cord around his neck that was attached to a weight machine, and when Benoit released the weights about 240 pounds caused his strangulation. Ballard said the pull-down bar had been removed and Benoit was found seated against the machine. [89]
Reaction from World Wrestling Entertainment
It was first reported to fans of WWE on their WWE Mobile Alerts Service and posted to their official website soon after. On their website, World Wrestling Entertainment released the following statement:
World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home. There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities. Tonight’s Raw on USA Network will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family. WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family’s relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy.
WWE canceled the scheduled three hour long live RAW show on June 25, and replaced the broadcast version with a tribute to his life and career, featuring his past matches, segments from the Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story DVD, and comments from wrestlers and announcers.[7]
The next night, before their ECW broadcast, WWE aired a recorded statement by Vince McMahon hinting towards regret for the previous night's special and stating that Benoit's name would not be mentioned other than during McMahon's comments.
Last night on Monday Night Raw, the WWE presented a special tribute show, recognizing the career of Chris Benoit. However, now some 26 hours later, the facts of this horrific tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments, there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit tonight. On the contrary, tonight's show will be dedicated to everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. This evening marks the first step of the healing process. Tonight, the WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world -- entertain you.[90]
It was also stated that the Chris Benoit Hard Knocks DVD had been pulled from the website of European WWE distributor Silvervision, along with other Benoit merchandise from the official WWE website. [91]
Phone calls and text messages
Saturday, 23 June at 3:30 p.m., a co-worker received a voice message from Benoit stating he missed his flight and overslept and would be late for that night's Beaumont, Texas, house show. According to the WWE Web site, the co-worker called Benoit back and Benoit sounded tired and groggy as he confirmed everything he had said in his voice message. A 3:42 p.m., the same co-worker, "concerned about Benoit's tone and demeanor," called him back again. Benoit did not answer the call and the co-worker left a message stating, "just call me back." Two minutes later, Benoit called the co-worker back, stating he didn't answer the call because he was on the phone with Delta Air Lines changing his flight. "Benoit stated he had a real stressful day due to Nancy and Daniel being sick with food poisoning," the WWE Web site said. At 4:30 p.m., according to the Web site, a co-worker who often travels with Benoit called him from outside the Houston airport and Benoit answered. "Benoit told the co-worker that Nancy was throwing up blood and that Daniel was also throwing up." At 5:35 p.m., Benoit called WWE's "Talent Relations" office, stating that his son was throwing up and that he and Nancy were in the hospital with their son, and that he would be taking a later flight into Houston, but would make the live event in Beaumont. [92]
On Sunday, June 24, between 3:51 and 3:58 a.m., Benoit sent five text messages to co-workers from both his and his wife's phone. [93] The first, third, fourth, and fifth text messages stated:
"My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane, Fayetteville Georgia. 30215"
The second text message stated:
"The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open"
At 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 25, WWE officials were notified of the text messages sent to the co-workers the previous day. [93]
Alcohol consumed in house
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told the Associated Press that empty beer cans were found in a trash can in the Benoit home and an empty wine bottle was discovered a few feet from where Benoit hanged himself. [94]
Links to steroids
Steroids were found in the home, leading to theories about steroid abuse being a factor. Prosecutors in upstate New York have been investigating the deliveries Benoit received from Signature Pharmacy and MedXLife.com, which sold steroids, human growth hormone and testosterone on the Internet. Terence Kindlon, lawyer for MedXLife co-owner Dr. Gary Brandwein, denied allegations that his client's company sold steroids to Benoit. Brandwein has pleaded not guilty to six counts in New York state court related to the criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was accused of signing and sending prescriptions without ever seeing patients. WWE attorney, Jerry McDevitt said the drugs found in Benoit's house were legitimately prescribed.[95]
Some media organizations have hypothesized that a steroid-induced rage may be the cause of Benoit's actions, as some doctors have linked steroid use to uncontrollable anger, among other psychological issues which include paranoia.[96][97] However, the WWE has stated that they believe the facts of this crime do not support the hypothesis that "roid rage" played a role in the murders. They cite evidence of premeditation in addition to the lack of a toxicology report, and the fact that the steroids found within Benoit's home were legally prescribed.[98]
Raid on office of Benoit's doctor
On June 28, FOX News also reported that Federal agents conducted a raid on the office of Benoit's personal physician and friend, Dr. Phil Astin. Officials said the raid stemmed from the investigation into drugs found in the Benoit home .[95] Astin's medical license was suspended in 1992 for "unprofessional conduct" and again in 2001 for "reasons related to competence or character."[99] Carroll County will launch its own investigation of Dr. Phil Astin. [100]
Son's Fragile X syndrome
Benoit's son had Fragile X syndrome, a condition with effects including autism, which has led one source familiar with Benoit to hypothesize that after he killed his wife, he killed his son for fear that his special educational needs wouldn't be met.[101]
ABCNews.com reported that the couple argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their son. "I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult, and it's something they were both constantly struggling with," said Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for World Wrestling Entertainment. "We do know it was a source of stress and consternation."[102]
District Attroney Scott Ballard stated the Daniel had old needle marks in his arms. Ballard said he had been told the parents considered him undersized and had given him growth hormones. "The boy was very small, even dwarfed," he said. [103]
Possible brain trauma
An alternate motive for Benoit's suicide-murder has been proposed by former wrestler Christopher Nowinski, now a respected authority on concussions and brain trauma in sport.[104] Nowinski suggests that Benoit's violent and erratic behavior may have been a result of long-time concussions incurred during his career, which may have led to feelings of rage and paranoia. [105] Nowinski himself was forced to retire from wrestling as a result of a severe concussion giving him lasting headaches and related pain due to post-concussion syndrome, which could have been further complicated were he to have continued wrestling.
Separate burials
Benoit will have a private service in Canada, separate from the services for his wife and son, his father Michael said during a telephone interview. He also stated the mother and child will be cremated in Georgia and a funeral likely held in Daytona Beach, Fla. [106]
Early reports of Nancy Benoit's death
Wikinews has news related to:
Death of Nancy Benoit rumour posted on Wikipedia hours prior to body being found
Initially reported on Wikinews, FOXNews.com later reported that news of Nancy Benoit's death was posted on Wikipedia half a day before the police discovered the bodies. The posting reads: “Chris Benoit was replaced by Johnny Nitro for the ECW Championship match at Vengeance, as Benoit was not there due to personal issues, stemming from the death of his wife Nancy.” The phrase "stemming from the death of his wife Nancy" was added to the English Wikipedia's "Chris Benoit" article at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 25,[107] whereas the Fayette County police reportedly discovered the bodies of the Benoit family at 2:30 p.m. EDT (14 hours, 29 minutes later). The IP address of the editor was traced to Stamford, Connecticut, which is also the location of WWE headquarters.[108]
Detective Bo Turner of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department told television station WAGA-TV that the case was being treated as a murder-suicide. The station reported that investigators believe that Benoit murdered his wife and son over the weekend and committed suicide sometime on Monday.[87]
During a press conference Tuesday, June 26, Fayette County district attorney Scott Ballard confirmed that Chris Benoit had murdered his wife and son. His wife was bound at the wrists and feet, while there were no signs of restraint on his son, both died of asphyxiation. It is reported that his wife died on Friday, his son died on Saturday, and Benoit killed himself later Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. Benoit's body was found dead of asphyxiation and hanging by the cord of a weight machine in his basement. It was also reported that there was a Bible by both Nancy and Daniel's bodies.[88]
On Wednesday, June 28, County's District Attorney Scott Ballard explained Benoit may have killed his son with a chokehold. He said the boy had internal injuries to the throat area, but showed no bruises, indicating he may have been locked in the crook of his father's arm. Nancy Benoit had bruises on her back and stomach consistent with someone pressing a knee into the small of the back while pulling on a cord around the neck. Benoit killed himself by wrapping a cord around his neck that was attached to a weight machine, and when Benoit released the weights about 240 pounds caused his strangulation. Ballard said the pull-down bar had been removed and Benoit was found seated against the machine. [89]
Reaction from World Wrestling Entertainment
It was first reported to fans of WWE on their WWE Mobile Alerts Service and posted to their official website soon after. On their website, World Wrestling Entertainment released the following statement:
World Wrestling Entertainment is deeply saddened to report that today Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home. There are no further details at this time, other than the Benoit family residence is currently being investigated by local authorities. Tonight’s Raw on USA Network will serve as a tribute to Chris Benoit and his family. WWE extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the Benoit family’s relatives and loved ones in this time of tragedy.
WWE canceled the scheduled three hour long live RAW show on June 25, and replaced the broadcast version with a tribute to his life and career, featuring his past matches, segments from the Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story DVD, and comments from wrestlers and announcers.[7]
The next night, before their ECW broadcast, WWE aired a recorded statement by Vince McMahon hinting towards regret for the previous night's special and stating that Benoit's name would not be mentioned other than during McMahon's comments.
Last night on Monday Night Raw, the WWE presented a special tribute show, recognizing the career of Chris Benoit. However, now some 26 hours later, the facts of this horrific tragedy are now apparent. Therefore, other than my comments, there will be no mention of Mr. Benoit tonight. On the contrary, tonight's show will be dedicated to everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. This evening marks the first step of the healing process. Tonight, the WWE performers will do what they do better than anyone else in the world -- entertain you.[90]
It was also stated that the Chris Benoit Hard Knocks DVD had been pulled from the website of European WWE distributor Silvervision, along with other Benoit merchandise from the official WWE website. [91]
Phone calls and text messages
Saturday, 23 June at 3:30 p.m., a co-worker received a voice message from Benoit stating he missed his flight and overslept and would be late for that night's Beaumont, Texas, house show. According to the WWE Web site, the co-worker called Benoit back and Benoit sounded tired and groggy as he confirmed everything he had said in his voice message. A 3:42 p.m., the same co-worker, "concerned about Benoit's tone and demeanor," called him back again. Benoit did not answer the call and the co-worker left a message stating, "just call me back." Two minutes later, Benoit called the co-worker back, stating he didn't answer the call because he was on the phone with Delta Air Lines changing his flight. "Benoit stated he had a real stressful day due to Nancy and Daniel being sick with food poisoning," the WWE Web site said. At 4:30 p.m., according to the Web site, a co-worker who often travels with Benoit called him from outside the Houston airport and Benoit answered. "Benoit told the co-worker that Nancy was throwing up blood and that Daniel was also throwing up." At 5:35 p.m., Benoit called WWE's "Talent Relations" office, stating that his son was throwing up and that he and Nancy were in the hospital with their son, and that he would be taking a later flight into Houston, but would make the live event in Beaumont. [92]
On Sunday, June 24, between 3:51 and 3:58 a.m., Benoit sent five text messages to co-workers from both his and his wife's phone. [93] The first, third, fourth, and fifth text messages stated:
"My physical address is 130 Green Meadow Lane, Fayetteville Georgia. 30215"
The second text message stated:
"The dogs are in the enclosed pool area. Garage side door is open"
At 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 25, WWE officials were notified of the text messages sent to the co-workers the previous day. [93]
Alcohol consumed in house
Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told the Associated Press that empty beer cans were found in a trash can in the Benoit home and an empty wine bottle was discovered a few feet from where Benoit hanged himself. [94]
Links to steroids
Steroids were found in the home, leading to theories about steroid abuse being a factor. Prosecutors in upstate New York have been investigating the deliveries Benoit received from Signature Pharmacy and MedXLife.com, which sold steroids, human growth hormone and testosterone on the Internet. Terence Kindlon, lawyer for MedXLife co-owner Dr. Gary Brandwein, denied allegations that his client's company sold steroids to Benoit. Brandwein has pleaded not guilty to six counts in New York state court related to the criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was accused of signing and sending prescriptions without ever seeing patients. WWE attorney, Jerry McDevitt said the drugs found in Benoit's house were legitimately prescribed.[95]
Some media organizations have hypothesized that a steroid-induced rage may be the cause of Benoit's actions, as some doctors have linked steroid use to uncontrollable anger, among other psychological issues which include paranoia.[96][97] However, the WWE has stated that they believe the facts of this crime do not support the hypothesis that "roid rage" played a role in the murders. They cite evidence of premeditation in addition to the lack of a toxicology report, and the fact that the steroids found within Benoit's home were legally prescribed.[98]
Raid on office of Benoit's doctor
On June 28, FOX News also reported that Federal agents conducted a raid on the office of Benoit's personal physician and friend, Dr. Phil Astin. Officials said the raid stemmed from the investigation into drugs found in the Benoit home .[95] Astin's medical license was suspended in 1992 for "unprofessional conduct" and again in 2001 for "reasons related to competence or character."[99] Carroll County will launch its own investigation of Dr. Phil Astin. [100]
Son's Fragile X syndrome
Benoit's son had Fragile X syndrome, a condition with effects including autism, which has led one source familiar with Benoit to hypothesize that after he killed his wife, he killed his son for fear that his special educational needs wouldn't be met.[101]
ABCNews.com reported that the couple argued over whether he should stay home more to take care of their son. "I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult, and it's something they were both constantly struggling with," said Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for World Wrestling Entertainment. "We do know it was a source of stress and consternation."[102]
District Attroney Scott Ballard stated the Daniel had old needle marks in his arms. Ballard said he had been told the parents considered him undersized and had given him growth hormones. "The boy was very small, even dwarfed," he said. [103]
Possible brain trauma
An alternate motive for Benoit's suicide-murder has been proposed by former wrestler Christopher Nowinski, now a respected authority on concussions and brain trauma in sport.[104] Nowinski suggests that Benoit's violent and erratic behavior may have been a result of long-time concussions incurred during his career, which may have led to feelings of rage and paranoia. [105] Nowinski himself was forced to retire from wrestling as a result of a severe concussion giving him lasting headaches and related pain due to post-concussion syndrome, which could have been further complicated were he to have continued wrestling.
Separate burials
Benoit will have a private service in Canada, separate from the services for his wife and son, his father Michael said during a telephone interview. He also stated the mother and child will be cremated in Georgia and a funeral likely held in Daytona Beach, Fla. [106]
Early reports of Nancy Benoit's death
Wikinews has news related to:
Death of Nancy Benoit rumour posted on Wikipedia hours prior to body being found
Initially reported on Wikinews, FOXNews.com later reported that news of Nancy Benoit's death was posted on Wikipedia half a day before the police discovered the bodies. The posting reads: “Chris Benoit was replaced by Johnny Nitro for the ECW Championship match at Vengeance, as Benoit was not there due to personal issues, stemming from the death of his wife Nancy.” The phrase "stemming from the death of his wife Nancy" was added to the English Wikipedia's "Chris Benoit" article at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 25,[107] whereas the Fayette County police reportedly discovered the bodies of the Benoit family at 2:30 p.m. EDT (14 hours, 29 minutes later). The IP address of the editor was traced to Stamford, Connecticut, which is also the location of WWE headquarters.[108]
2 comments:
And now his mom is searching for someone to blame in her grief:
ATLANTA (AP) - Chris Benoit's mother said she wonders whether her son would still be alive if federal agents had been more aggressive when they discovered the professional wrestler was buying large quantities of steroids.
The Drug Enforcement Administration acknowledged this week that Benoit's name surfaced in an investigation before he killed his wife, son and himself. But Benoit wasn't charged, and his supply continued until at least May, a month before the murder-suicide, according to a review of records by The Associated Press.
DEA spokesman Rusty Payne said ``it's ridiculous for anyone to think we could have known that anything like that could have happened.''
But Benoit's mother said she is also concerned by another disclosure that police were previously aware Benoit's doctor, Phil Astin, may have been improperly prescribing medications.
Asked if quicker action by authorities could have helped her son, Margaret Benoit said in a telephone interview from her home in Alberta, Canada, ``We would certainly hope so. We just don't know. We're dealing with so many things. It's incredible.''
The case highlights the DEA's focus on drug traffickers rather than individual users, even when those users are star athletes and celebrities. The targets of the BALCO investigation in San Francisco, for instance, weren't the baseball players and runners who allegedly bought steroids but the distribution network that sold them.
Building those types of cases can take years.
``We can arrest and prosecute users, but they are not the target or focus of most investigations,'' Payne said.
Astin was charged Monday, more than a week after the killings, with improperly prescribing medications to two patients, but not Benoit. More charges are possible later.
``You don't run out and arrest a doctor for making one prescription that is questionable,'' Payne said. ``There's just not enough evidence to arrest or bring charges. We want to bring charges that are legitimate. Cases take time.''
Authorities found anabolic steroids in Benoit's home in suburban Atlanta, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings that started June 22. Benoit strangled his wife and son and placed Bibles next to their bodies before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine, authorities said.
Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as ``roid rage.'' Toxicology tests on Benoit's body are not yet complete.
Heavy, long-term steroid use can cause irritability, hyperactivity and aggressive and reckless behavior, Harvard researcher Harrison G. Pope said.
``Alternatively, if you take a high dose for a prolonged period and then stop it, there is a risk of getting profound depression during the withdrawal period,'' he said.
A DEA agent's affidavit said Astin prescribed a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Benoit every three to four weeks between May 2006 and May 2007. It says that during a probe called ``RX Weight Loss,'' Benoit was identified as an excessive purchaser of injectable steroids.
The affidavit also says that ``Astin has been the subject of concern for excessive and/or suspicious prescribing activity by the Carrollton, Ga. Police Department and local area pharmacies.''
Authorities have not said what ``RX Weight Loss'' refers to. But Benoit's name was discovered among hundreds of customers during an investigation into illegal steroid sales, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity because that investigation is ongoing.
As a customer, Benoit was not a target of that probe and there was nothing differentiating him from any of the other buyers whose names surfaced, the official said.
Astin has said he prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but has not said what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the day authorities believe Benoit killed his wife.
A spokesman for the police department in Carrollton, in west Georgia, declined to comment on any information the agency may have developed on Astin before the killings, referring questions to U.S. Attorney David Nahmias' office, which declined to comment. A manager at a pharmacy that filled Benoit's prescriptions also declined to comment.
Payne said the DEA has long known the possible side effects of steroid abuse and that is why it focuses on taking illegal traffickers off the street.
``It's a message we have to keep pounding away at,'' he said.
The second-guessing aside, the wrestler's mother said there's not much that can be done now except mourn her son, daughter-in-law and grandson.
``It's so late now, too late,'' Margaret Benoit said. ``You can't turn the clock back.''
And now it looks like the description of the 7-yo's illness may have been faked to deflect steroid accusations:
A prosecutor investigating pro wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife and son and committed suicide, is questioning World Wrestling Entertainment's early assertion that the boy had a form of mental retardation called Fragile X syndrome.
A spokesperson for WWE - which shortly after the killings deflected speculation about steroids by saying the Benoits had argued over whether the wrestler should stay home more to take care of the 7-year-old son - also backed away Tuesday from its statements about the boy's diagnosis.
Fayette County prosecutor Scott Ballard said in a news release Tuesday that some of the boy's medical records have been reviewed and "they do not mention any pre-existing mental or physical impairment."
Fragile X syndrome, a disorder affecting the X chromosome, is the most common inherited cause of mental retardation and associated developmental disabilities. Family members deny Daniel had the condition, and the child's teachers also deny reports that he was physically undersized, Ballard said.
Two days after the bodies of Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and son, Daniel, were found last month, WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt said the child had Fragile X. The wrestling organization learned from the couple's friends and relatives that the Benoits argued over whether the wrestler should stay home more to take care of Daniel, he said.
At the same time, the WWE issued a news release saying steroids "were not and could not be related to the cause of death" and that the findings indicated "deliberation, not rage."
Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage." Toxicology tests on Benoit's body have not been completed.
WWE spokesman Gary Davis said Tuesday that McDevitt had first heard Fragile X syndrome linked to the boy in a Canadian news report.
McDevitt was "confident" that the information was accurate after speaking with other WWE employees who knew Benoit, Davis said. But none of those employees specifically mentioned Fragile X, he said.
"A lot of people got caught up in the idea that Daniel had Fragile X syndrome," Davis said from the company's headquarters in Stamford, Conn. "We were just as caught up as everyone else."
The WWE has no information to contradict Ballard's statement, Davis said.
"I think we have to go with what the district attorney has said as being the best, up-to-date information available right now," Davis said.
Ballard has said investigators found needle marks on Daniel Benoit's arms. He said he had been told the parents considered him undersized and had given him growth hormones. And though Benoit apparently had plenty of anabolic steroids at his dispostal, a sports-medicine expert has said there is no medical reason to prescribe them to a 7-year-old.
Ballard did not return phone messages seeking additional comment Tuesday.
Attorney Joseph Saia (nasdaq: SAIA - news - people ), who represented Nancy Benoit in a 2003 divorce complaint against her husband, also said the child "looked and acted normal."
Holly McFague, a neighbor of the Benoits, said Nancy Benoit spoke with her about Daniel's medical problems in the year before she died.
"I know that there were some problems, problems and issues that she said the son had," said George Regan, the owner of a Boston public relations firm who is working as McFague's spokesman.
Regan could not say exactly what problems Nancy Benoit referred to.
Authorities have said Chris Benoit strangled his wife and son and placed Bibles next to their bodies before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine.
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