4 charged in slaying linked to killing of ex-Packers player

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Four men are charged with murder and kidnapping in a slaying that police in Alabama say is linked to the killing of a former Green Bay Packers player.

Former Packers defensive lineman Carlos Gray was shot to death Monday in a killing sheriff’s officials believe was linked to the drug trade. They say 21-year-old Darryl Thomas was found dead of bullet wounds the next day.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department says friends of the 25-year-old Gray believe Thomas killed him, and Thomas was killed in retaliation.

Capital murder charges were filed in Thomas’ death Thursday against 27-year-old Aeriol Lasean Barbee of Hoover; 24-year-old Cortez Clark-Johnson of Center Point; 22-year-old Myzel Contest Arbuckle of Birmingham; and 21-year-old Jalen McIntyre of Pinson.

Records aren’t available to show whether the men have lawyers.