Justin Eilers, a mixed martial arts fighter who lost to Antonio Silva for the EliteXC heavyweight title in July, was shot and killed Christmas night in what has been described as a domestic dispute.
Sherdog reports:
Eilers had gathered with relatives for the holidays, but tensions escalated with an ex-girlfriend, also in attendance. Eilers was asked to leave the residence, but was said to have refused and began throwing dishes and other objects in protest. The home's owner was then said to have pulled a gun on Eilers and shot him in the chest after a brief verbal confrontation.The Idaho Press reports that James Robert Malec was arrested on a murder charge.
Eilers' ex-girlfriend, mother, and young son were said to have been in the room at the time of the shooting.
Eilers, 30, became a pro MMA fighter in 2002 and compiled a 19-7-1 record. He fought for the UFC from 2004 to 2006, compiling a 1-3 record.
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