Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the death of his girlfriend.
A grand jury in Hamilton County, Tennessee, returned the indictment on Tuesday.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said prosecutors dismissed a tampering with evidence charge to focus on the more serious allegation.
Lee, a first-round draft pick in 2016, is accused of killing Gabriella Perpetuo, 29, in February.
A decision on whether to pursue the death penalty is expected in the coming weeks.
Former #Jets first-round LB Darron Lee has been indicted on a murder charge in the death of his 29-year old girlfriend.
Prosecutors are seeking a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a life sentence. A decision on whether to pursue the death penalty is expected in the… pic.twitter.com/IQwAUak8Ca
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 11, 2026
More from the Associated Press:
A medical examiner listed Perpetuo’s cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries, and the autopsy report listed 12 different injuries, including multiple hematomas, bone fractures and stab wounds.
At the time of Lee’s arrest, he was on probation in Franklin County, Ohio, and Alachua County, Florida, after he was charged in three separate alleged assaults involving another man, Lee’s mother and the mother of his child, court records showed.
Prosecutors accused Lee of asking ChatGPT how to get medical help without calling the police. He asked the artificial intelligence assistant whether a fall could cause bruising to two eyes and “two stabby looking wounds,” according to evidence presented in court.
Lee remains in the Hamilton County Jail without bond.
The 31-year-old Lee played 58 games with the Jets, Kansas City and Buffalo between 2016 and 2020. The former Ohio State standout was the 20th pick in the 2016 draft by the Jets.
Lee spent three seasons with the Jets and ended his career with 273 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Prosecutors presented body camera footage, testimony from investigators, and evidence recovered from electronic devices during a preliminary hearing.
A report from investigators also noted a bite mark on her shoulder, which was collected for DNA testing.
Ex-Jets linebacker Darron Lee indicted on murder charge in death of his partner https://t.co/E3JMCbzdu3 pic.twitter.com/KWH5hRHqch
— New York Post (@nypost) June 11, 2026
WTVC shared further:
The murder case has also generated a separate $50 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Perpetuo’s family.
Court records also revealed allegations of prior domestic violence incidents involving Lee before his arrest in Tennessee.
Lee remains in custody as the criminal case moves forward.
An arraignment date on the indictment is expected to be scheduled in Hamilton County Criminal Court.
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