Former NFL Linebacker Darron Lee Faces Death Penalty in First-Degree Murder Case
Darron Lee, a former first-round NFL draft pick and national champion with Ohio State, is now at the center of a devastating criminal case. Prosecutors in Tennessee are seeking the death penalty after Lee was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection to the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo.
Lee, who was selected 20th overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL Draft, was denied bond during a court hearing on Wednesday. The courtroom heard disturbing new details about the crime scene, painting a grim picture of what investigators discovered inside the home near Ooltewah Elementary School, just outside Chattanooga.
According to Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brian Lockhart, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, the interior of the house was in disarray, with blood found in nearly every room-including a vehicle in the garage. Lockhart described the scene as chaotic: boxes scattered throughout the living room, shattered glass, broken appliances, and alcohol bottles strewn across the home.
“The deceased was in the floor lying on her back,” Lockhart testified. “There was blood going up the staircase, on the hand railing, on the walls, on the floor in the living room, in the hallway... just about every room except one.”
Lee, who was present at the home when authorities arrived, told investigators that Perpétuo suffered from narcolepsy and might have fallen in the shower. But detectives quickly disputed that claim.
The autopsy revealed Perpétuo had suffered extensive injuries, including severe brain trauma, a broken neck, bruising across her body, and a large bite mark on both her shoulder and thigh. She also had stab wounds to her legs.
The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.
Investigators also found cleaning supplies upstairs, including bleach wipes and a spray bottle, suggesting an attempt to clean parts of the scene. The microwave had been shattered, adding to the signs of a violent struggle.
Lee himself reportedly called 911 from the residence. He was arrested and charged shortly thereafter.
At the bond hearing, District Attorney Coty Wamp argued that Lee posed a significant risk if released. Judge Tori Smith agreed, denying bond and ordering that Lee remain in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled for March 9. No jurors were present at the hearing, as the purpose was solely to determine whether Lee would be held in jail as the case proceeds.
As the legal process unfolds, Perpétuo’s family is navigating unimaginable grief. A GoFundMe page has been launched by her cousin to help cover funeral expenses, legal fees, and travel costs. Her parents, Monique and Nilson, have traveled from Florida to Tennessee to bring their daughter’s body home.
Lee’s football career began with promise. After helping Ohio State capture the national championship in 2014, he entered the NFL with high expectations.
In three seasons with the Jets, Lee tallied 241 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and four sacks. But after being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a sixth-round pick, his production dropped.
He recorded 31 tackles in 16 games during his lone season in Kansas City but was not re-signed.
Brief stints with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders followed, but by 2021, Lee was out of the league.
Off the field, Lee had already faced legal trouble prior to this latest case. In 2023, he was arrested in Ohio on charges of assault and domestic violence.
According to reports, he was accused of pushing a woman against a wall, throwing her to the floor, and striking her in the face and head multiple times. He later pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal.
Now, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty, Lee’s case has shifted from a fall from football grace to one of the most serious legal proceedings an individual can face. The next chapter will unfold in court, but the tragedy of Gabriella Perpétuo’s death-and the pain it has caused her family-remains at the heart of this story.