Investigators found 'cryptic writing' in the home of a former NFL player who shot and killed 6 people
- Authorities said they found "cryptic writing" and "designs and emblems" in Phillip Adams' home.
- The ex-NFL player fatally shot six people in South Carolina in April.
- Detectives said it's possible Adams could have been following a new religion or ideology.
Law enforcement found "cryptic writing" in the bedroom of the former NFL player who fatally shot six people in South Carolina, according to search warrants from the York County Sheriff's Office and media reports.
A police affidavit attached to a search warrant said that Phillip Adams had recently been "acting differently" and could have been following "a new religion or ideology."
"During the search of Phillip Adams' room, numerous notebooks were located with cryptic writing with different designs and emblems," the affidavit said. The document added that it was unclear if religion or ideology was a motive for the crime, or if Adams potentially had another reason.
The affidavit said new information about Adams' additional belongings - including a safe - in his old home in North Carolina could potentially lead authorities to more evidence.
Adams' sister, Lauren Adams, told USA Today that her brother "loved God," but had not mentioned any new religion or ideology.
Adams killed six people, including a prominent doctor, Dr. Robert Lesslie, and his family, before fatally shooting himself on April 7. The incident happened at Lesslie's home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, according to USA TODAY.
The other victims include Lesslie's wife, Barbara Lesslie, two of the couple's grandchildren, and two technicians who were doing work in their home, WCNC reported.
Adams played in the NFL from 2010 to 2015. His father previously told local news that "football messed him up."
"His mental health degraded fast and terribly bad," Lauren Adams told USA Today. "There was unusual behavior. I'm not going to get into all that (symptoms). We definitely did notice signs of mental illness that was extremely concerning, that was not like we had ever seen."