ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) – A serious family crisis has struck the Bieniemy family, as Elijah Zion Bieniemy, the 27-year-old son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of his mother, Mia Bieniemy. The incident occurred late Sunday night in Ashburn, Virginia, where the Bieniemy family maintains a residence from Eric's previous tenure as a coach for the Washington Commanders.

Authorities from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office reported that they responded to a shooting scene and found 57-year-old Mia Bieniemy suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Following their arrival, she was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where her condition stabilized by Monday.

Elijah Zion Bieniemy has been charged with several serious offenses, including malicious wounding, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling. He is currently being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center as the investigation into the shooting continues.

As the news unfolded, it was revealed that Eric Bieniemy was at training camp with the Chiefs in St. Joseph, Missouri, earlier on Sunday. He was absent from Monday's practice session, which was closed to the media and public, that involved the team's rookies, quarterbacks, and some veteran players.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed concern for the Bieniemy family, stating, "Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family. Thoughts and prayers with them." He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized the strength of Eric's support network. "Mia is stable, which is a plus," he added, highlighting the positive aspects amidst the crisis. Reid characterized Mia as "a saint" and "one of God's great blessings," affirming her value within the community.

Reid indicated he was unsure how long Eric Bieniemy would be away from the team during this challenging time. In Eric's absence, Chiefs pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck will take on Bieniemy's responsibilities as the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season.

Eric Bieniemy has been a pivotal figure in the Chiefs' organization since joining Reid's staff in 2013. Initially serving as the running backs coach, he was promoted to offensive coordinator after five seasons. Under his leadership, the Chiefs reached three Super Bowls in five years and emerged victorious in two of them, solidifying their reputation as one of the NFL's most formidable offenses.

Despite his success, Bieniemy has faced challenges in securing a head coaching position in the NFL, having interviewed for numerous jobs without being hired. In 2023, he joined the Commanders in hopes of enhancing his professional credentials. However, after a disappointing season, the coaching staff, including Bieniemy, was let go, leading him to spend a year as the offensive coordinator at UCLA. He subsequently returned to the Chiefs this season to replace Matt Nagy in the same role.

As the team resumes activities, Reid has highlighted Bieniemy's positive energy and leadership skills, noting, "He always brings great energy...He’s one of the more phenomenal guys I have been around at being a leader of men." With the Chiefs taking a day off on Tuesday, the anticipation builds for the first full-squad practice at Missouri Western State University set for Wednesday.

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Dave Skretta, The Associated Press