Lee Dewyze is one of our favourite American Idol contestants this year.but it turns out that the mild mannered rocker has had some huge trials in his personal life.

We had previously wondered why we know so little about Lee’s background, all we have been told is that he is a former paint salesman. But maybe Lee didn’t want the press uncovering the fact that his beloved Grandmother was murdered by her own son.

Star Magazine has reported that 80 year old Eileen was killed on October 27, 2004, by her son who was suffering from a mental breakdown. After pleading insanity, John DeWyze was committed to the Elgin Mental Health Center for up to 60 years in April 2007.

Still, we are a little shocked that some opportunistic Idol producer hasn’t at least tried to use this for some sympathy votes. Surely this story is worth a few thousand at least.