Motion for competency evaluation granted for Eric Bieniemy’s son in mother’s shooting
Eric Bieniemy’s son set for Thursday court hearing
A hearing is scheduled Thursday in Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in the shooting of the wife of former Washington Commanders coach Eric Bieniemy.
ASHBURN, Va. - A Loudoun County judge on Thursday granted a motion for a competency evaluation for Elijah Zion Bieniemy, the son of former Washington Commanders coach Eric Bieniemy, who is facing charges in the shooting of his mother.
The motion, filed by the Loudoun County Public Defender’s Office, argues that Bieniemy shows significant mental health issues and is currently unable to assist in his own defense, prompting the request under Virginia’s statute.
FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick reported that an earlier request for a separate court‑ordered mental health evaluation was withdrawn by the defense. Bieniemy’s Aug. 31 preliminary hearing will be rescheduled.
Thursday’s hearing in the shooting of Mia Bieniemy comes days after the couple’s 27‑year‑old son was arrested in connection with the July 26 incident. He is charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling and is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
RELATED: Wife of Chiefs assistant Eric Bieniemy shot twice by son inside Virginia home, court documents say
Elijah Zion Bieniemy (Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigators say he used a Ruger .22‑caliber firearm to shoot his mother twice, injuring her left forearm and shoulder, with a projectile traveling across her chest. She required surgery and remains with a portion of a projectile in her body. She has been released from intensive care and was listed in stable condition earlier this week.
He did not appear in court on Thursday, and no family members were present. Court documents show he has no prior criminal record.
Authorities have not said what led to the shooting. Court filings say it occurred at the family’s home in Ashburn, Virginia, where the couple lived during Eric Bieniemy’s tenure with the Washington Commanders.
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, left, observes wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) during a Washington Commanders OTA session at Commanders Park on May 31, 2023 in Ashburn, VA. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via
RELATED: Eric Bieniemy’s wife allegedly shot by couple’s son
Bieniemy returned earlier this year to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he experienced his greatest success as an assistant. He helped the team reach three Super Bowls and win two before departing for Washington in 2023. He later served as offensive coordinator at UCLA and spent last season coaching running backs with the Chicago Bears.
If convicted on all three charges, Elijah Bieniemy faces up to 33 years in prison.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Associated Press and previous FOX 5 reporting.