Lawrence Phillips, Jailed Former NFL Running Back , Charged With Cellmate's Murder

Former NFL running back Lawrence Phillips has been officially charged with the first-degree murder of his cellmate in a California state prison. Phillips, 40, is suspected of killing 37-year-old Damion Soward at Kern Valley State prison. The incident took place in April. Soward was already jailed and serving a sentence of 82 years to life for a previous first-degree murder charge. According to the Associated Press and an autopsy report, Soward was strangled to death.

"It's not as easy to get to the crime scene as it would be had it occurred on the street," said Andi Bridges, who will be prosecuting the case. "It just takes time, and it takes time to have the autopsy results processed, as well."

Phillips is currently serving a sentence of more than 31 years after being convicted twice of brutally choking his ex-girlfriend in 2005 and, later that same year, driving into three teens after playing a trivial football game.

Phillips was once a prominent football star. Named one of the nation's top college football players at Nebraska. He was a first round draft pick for the NFL in 1996. During his three-year NFL, Phillips went on to play with well known teams like the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and the St. Louis Rams.

The former NFL player will not face the death penalty for his actions, because the DA's office believed there were no "special circumstances" that would lead a California prosecutor to pursue death row, according to USA Today. Certain "special circumstances" include multiple murders, murder with a prior murder conviction, and murder during a robbery. Instead, Phillips will serve 25 years to life if convicted.

Phillips will reportedly have the opportunity to enter a plea and assigned an attorney if he cannot find one in time. He's expected to enter a not guilty plea during his arraignment on Sept. 15. We will keep you updated on the case as more information is disclosed.