Ex-NFL star Leighton Vander Esch’s mother files for divorce from his father after arrest for strangling her
- Darwin Vander Esch has denied having his wife Sandra in his hands
The mother of former Cowboys player Leighton Vander Esch has filed for divorce from his father after he allegedly strangled her.
Sandra Vander Esch accused her husband, Darwin Vander Esch, of strangling her at their Idaho home on December 1, leading to Darwin’s arrest on attempted strangulation and domestic violence charges.
And that is the case now revealed by TMZ that Sandra filed for divorce the next day.
Darwin, who was also arrested for deliberately destroying a telecommunications device, has denied strangling his wife.
Citing court documents, TMZ reported that Vander Esch became physically involved with Sandy after an argument at a bar and allegedly held his hands around her neck “for approximately 10-15 seconds… pushing and squeezing” until she broke free.
The report also claims, via a police report, that Sandy was pushed to the ground and locked out of their home during the incident.
Leighton Vander Esch is accused of strangling his wife Sandra Vander Esch
Darwin Vander Esch, father of ex-cowboy player Leighton, was arrested in Idaho
Leighton Vander Esch retired earlier this year due to the impact of injuries on his body
Darwin has pleaded not guilty.
Police received the call about a domestic battery in the early hours of December 1 and arrested Vander Esch shortly after police arrived on the scene. His son has not yet publicly commented on the incident involving his father.
Leighton Vander Esch, a former linebacker, announced his retirement earlier this year after six seasons.
The one-time Pro Bowler was a starter for the Cowboys but struggled with neck injuries, and another neck issue in 2023 ended his season (and ultimately career) after just five games.
The ex-player’s verified Instagram account is currently set to private, although it is not clear when that switch was made.