Elijah Bieniemy, the son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, will not appear in court until he completes a mental health competency evaluation, according to court records. The 27-year-old was arrested on Monday after allegedly shooting his mother, Mia, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds at their home in Ashburn, Virginia, on Sunday.
He faces charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling, as stated by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office. A public defender for Elijah indicated in a court filing that he appears to have significant mental health issues and is currently unable to assist in his own defense.
The court has granted the mental health competency evaluation, while a motion for a separate mental health evaluation was temporarily withdrawn. Elijah's preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 9, just before the Chiefs' game against the Denver Broncos to kick off the 2026 NFL season.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Mia's condition, stating that she is doing well and has been moved out of the ICU. Following his arrest, Elijah was taken to the Loudon County Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond. Eric Bieniemy returned to the Chiefs as their offensive coordinator this offseason after previous roles with the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, and UCLA.