ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Legal proceedings involving the son of Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, connected to a recent shooting incident in Virginia, have been postponed. Elijah Bieniemy, 27, is awaiting a mental health evaluation, which has delayed his court appearances.
Authorities apprehended Elijah Bieniemy following the shooting of his mother late Sunday. He faces charges including malicious wounding, using a firearm in a felony, and firing a weapon inside a residence. Currently, he remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Originally, Bieniemy was set to appear in court for motions later this week, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 31. However, these dates have been rescheduled pending the results of his mental health assessment, as indicated by Virginia judiciary records.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, with no motive disclosed at this time.
Meanwhile, Eric Bieniemy has taken a leave from the Chiefs, as the team progresses with their training camp. Responsibilities typically handled by Bieniemy have been shifted to pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck, under the supervision of head coach Andy Reid.
“Eric’s a big part of this, and so I love having him here,” said Reid. “But right now it’s important that he takes care of business, and everybody knows that. So everybody’s game is picked up, and they’re working hard, and Eric will be back soon enough to jump in there and do his thing. But he’s got to take care of that first.”
Coach Reid did not specify when Bieniemy might return to his duties with the team.
Mia Bieniemy, Eric’s wife, was hospitalized for multiple gunshot wounds but has since been moved from intensive care. Reid reported that she is “doing better, and great from where she was.”
Eric Bieniemy has had a significant coaching career, helping the Chiefs to three Super Bowl appearances and two victories. After a stint with the Washington Commanders, Bieniemy returned to Kansas City to replace Matt Nagy as the offensive coordinator earlier this year.
Reid mentioned, “We stay in touch with him and keep him abreast of everything that’s going on. He’s got the tape (of camp practices). He can watch with whatever spare time he’s got there.”
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