Daughter of ex-New York Jets star Al Toon killed in apparent murder-suicide
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Molly Lillard, the 28-year-old daughter of former New York Jets star wide receiver Al Toon, died Sunday in what Arizona police believe was a murder-suicide.
Scottsdale police said Lillard’s husband, 36-year-old Royce Lillard III, shot her before turning the gun on himself in their house.
The couple’s 8-month-old child was also present during the shooting, but was not injured and is currently in the care of the family.
Royce Lillard is suspected of killing his wife in the afternoon. When police showed up, he barricaded himself inside the residence.
A SWAT team entered the home at about 10:45 p.m., finding him dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
The couple was married for two years, according to reports.
Molly Lillard was a two-time All-State selection in high school in Wisconsin who went on to play volleyball as a three-year starter at the University of Michigan.
Her father, Al Toon, set football records at the University of Wisconsin before being drafted by the Jets in the first round in 1985. The wide receiver made it to the Pro Bowl three times in eight years. Toon retired at the age of 29 in 1992 as a result of suffering multiple concussions over his pro career.
Molly (Toon) Lillard, part of decorated Madison sports family, found shot to death in Arizona in apparent murder-suicide https://t.co/oxlJdQpBFa
— Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) April 13, 2021
Completely heartbroken. 💔 Praying for the Toon family and sending love to the entire @umichvball family. Love you, Molly. pic.twitter.com/vqRPFZgFAV
— Erin Virtue (@ErinVirtue) April 13, 2021
Per the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel:
During her time at Middleton, the Cardinals won 60 consecutive conference matches from 2005-09. She recorded 20 digs in a state quarterfinal win over D.C. Everest in 2009, still tied for second best in a three-set match.
Coach Franco Marcos remembered Molly Lillard.
“For all the players that I coached in my lifetime she was the only one that would actually challenge the coaches,” Marcos told NBC15.com. “She didn’t only demand the best from her teammates but as a coach you have to be on your A-game too.
“On the court, ferocious. ‘Give me the ball’. Off the court, one of the sweetest kids. That’s pretty much their whole family. They’re so caring and giving.”
