Court appearance for Elijah Bieniemy delayed pending a mental-health competency evaluation

Elijah Bieniemy — the son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy — will not appear in court until undergoing a mental-health competency evaluation, per court records.

Elijah, 27, was arrested Monday and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling after his mother, Mia, was reportedly shot in the chest and arm.

In a court filing, Elijah’s public defender argued that Elijah “appears to suffer from significant mental health issues” and “does not appear able to assist in his own defense at the present time,” per The Athletic.

Elijah’s public defender filed for two motions, one of which — a request for a mental-health competency evaluation — was granted. The other motion, a request for a mental-health evaluation — was temporarily withdrawn, per The Athletic.

Due to the evaluation, the judge set Elijah’s preliminary hearing to Sept. 9.

Following the shooting, Mia was transported to the hospital and was said to be “stable,” according to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. On Wednesday, Reid announced Mia was “doing great” and was out of the Intensive Care Unit. There is no timetable on Eric’s return to the Chiefs.

If Elijah’s preliminary hearing takes place as currently scheduled, it would occur just days before the Chiefs take on the Denver Broncos in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL regular season.