Former Patriots Receiver Stefon Diggs Acquitted on Assault and Strangulation Charges
Defence counsel argued the prosecution failed to present credible evidence of the alleged physical altercation, while prosecutors maintained the case rested entirely on the accuser's testimony despite her argumentative demeanour in court.
A jury in Boston has found former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday following a trial concerning an alleged December encounter at Diggs' home in Dedham involving his former live-in chef, Jamila Adams.
Prosecutors maintained that the case rested on Adams' account of the events inside the home. During the proceedings, Adams testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument over a pay dispute. She described the relationship as previously sexual but noted it was not at the time of the alleged assault.
Defence attorneys argued that the assault never occurred and challenged Adams' credibility regarding financial demands and relationship tensions. They highlighted a disagreement over a planned trip to Miami and pointed to unsubstantiated financial claims, including a $5.5 million demand that Adams could not answer directly when questioned.
Witnesses called by the defence, including Diggs' chief of staff, massage therapist, nurse, and hairstylist, testified that Adams showed no visible injuries and appeared in normal spirits in the days following the alleged incident. Their evidence suggested she was socialising and dancing shortly after the date in question.
Assistant District Attorney Drew Virtue acknowledged that Adams appeared argumentative and avoidant on the stand but urged the jury to give her testimony full weight. He stated that her difficult demeanour did not mean her account should be disregarded, though Judge Jeanmarie Carroll struck portions of her testimony as nonresponsive and warned her against interjecting her own narrative.
The acquittal concludes the legal proceedings regarding the December 2 incident, which began with Diggs pleading not guilty in February. The case has drawn significant attention given Diggs' status as a former Pro Bowl wideout and his recent contract with New England.
