Carl Kearney Jr., the head coach at Spalding HS (GA) the last few seasons, is currently behind bars in Maryland facing charges for the murder of his girlfriend.
Kearney is facing first and second-degree murder charges after he walked into a Prince George County police station over the weekend confessing to the killing of Patrina Best, his 38-year old girlfriend, following an argument at her home, according to multiple reports.
With that confession, police responded to a welfare check at the home and found Best at the scene, where she was pronounced dead.
The crime marks a stark fall for Kearney, who quickly turned around a struggling Spalding program in 2020 and led them to playoff appearances the past three straight seasons.
His on-field efforts led to two Georgia High School Football Daily's Class 4A coach awards for the most improved team.
Last year, Kearney led Spalding to their first regional title in over two decades, going 12-1 with a run to the state's quarterfinals.
A former Georgia Southern wide receiver, Kearney signed with the Jets in 2004 and saw some action in preseason games over the next two seasons.
Kearney remains in a Maryland jail where he awaits trial, and he was scheduled to face a judge this morning.
Please join us in praying for the family of Patrina Best and those affected by this tragedy.