American baseball player Darryl Hamilton killed by lover in murder-suicide

Former New York Mets baseball player Darryl Hamilton was found dead in an apparent murder suicide in his Texas home. Hamilton, 50, was killed by multiple bullet wounds and lover Monica Jordan, 44, died from a self-inflicted gunshot, said law enforcement authorities.

Police arrived Sunday at the suburban Pearland home after a report of a loud domestic disturbance. Hamilton's body was found in the entryway and Jordan was found in another section of the house, reports the Houston Chronicle. Their 14-month-old son was also found in the home, unharmed. The baby was turned over to local Child Protective Services. An investigation is continuing.

Hamilton, born in Louisiana, played 13 seasons as an outfielder in major league baseball from 1988 to 2001. He spent seven seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers and also played for the Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies. He last played for the Mets in 2001. He later worked on air as an analyst for the MLB TV Network.

"All of us are stunned and saddened with the news of this horrible tragedy, something that is impossible for us to even begin to comprehend," said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. "Darryl was a wonderful player for our organisation, but more importantly, he was a true gentleman and a great friend to many here."

Momement of silence planned

The Mets plan to hold a moment of silence memorial for Hamilton before their next home game on 26 June.

Hamilton often tweeted about his continuing passion for baseball. In one of his last tweets he posted a photo of himself at a Houston Astros game with his children. He wrote his last tweet Saturday evening congratulating Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer on his no-hitter that day against the Pittsburgh Pirates. On 21 June, Hamilton changed his Facebook profile photo to a shot of him in a baseball uniform with his two sons from a previous marriage.

"All of us at Major League Baseball are shocked and saddened by this tragedy," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He was a talented and personable individual, and we were proud to call him a member of the Baseball Family. I extend my deepest sympathies to Darryl's family and his many friends throughout our game."