Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, a first-round draft pick and 2019 Super Bowl champion, now stands accused of a heinous crime.
Lee, 31, was arrested last week in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and charged with first-degree murder for the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, as well as tampering with evidence.
The incident occurred at a rented home in Ooltewah (a suburb of Chattanooga in Hamilton County), where authorities responded on February 5, 2026, to a CPR-in-progress call and found her deceased.
According to court documents and testimony from Lee’s first hearing, Perpétuo, 28, was found beaten to death inside the residence on Snow Cone Way. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp painted a grim picture during the bond hearing on February 11, saying there was “blood in every room” of the house, per The Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Investigators believe the attack was also premeditated, which has resulted in the additional charge of fabricating and destroying evidence, and may allow prosecutors to push for the death penalty under Tennessee law.
Lee appeared before Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tori Smith via video link from jail this week, dressed in an orange jumpsuit. Prosecutors argued against any bond for the alleged killer, citing the severity of the crime and Lee’s potential flight risk.
Judge Smith agreed, denying bond and ordering that Lee should be held in custody until his preliminary hearing on March 9.
The arrest highlights a rough post-NFL life for Lee, who was selected 20th overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 draft out of Ohio State.
In 2019, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl ring, though he didn’t see much time on the field. Lee bounced around the league after that season, suiting up for the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders before being released in 2021. His career earnings topped $10 million, but off-field issues, including a 2018 suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, per ESPN, hinted at some deeper personal struggles.
Perpétuo had reportedly been in a relationship with Lee for several years.
Social media posts showed a seemingly happy couple, but prosecutors also hinted at darker, hidden problems and a pattern of domestic violence. Autopsy results have since confirmed blunt force trauma as the cause of death, with no defensive wounds.
The NFL has previously faced criticism for its handling of domestic violence incidents, with high-profile cases like those involving Ray Rice and Greg Hardy exposing some lackluster, or “slap on the wrist” disciplinary responses from the league.
For perspective, nine former NFL players have been arrested or convicted of either murder or manslaughter after their pro careers. In total, 16 former professional athletes in America have been convicted of either murder or manslaughter since 1914, leading up to Lee’s arrest last week.
Pro Athletes Who Have Been Convicted Of Murder or Manslaughter:
Darron Lee, NFL (2016-2021), Murder, Sentence pending* (not convicted)
Aaron Hernandez, NFL (2010-2012), Murder, Life without parole
Rae Carruth, NFL (1997-1999), Conspiracy to murder, 18-24 years
Eric Naposki, NFL (1988-1989), Murder, Life without parole
Tommy Kane, NFL (1988-1992), Manslaughter, 18 years
Robert Rozier, NFL (1979), Multiple murders, 22 years
Donte Stallworth, NFL (2002-2013), DUI manslaughter, 30 days
Josh Brent, NFL (2010-2015), Intoxication manslaughter, 180 days
Cierre Wood, NFL (2013-2014), Murder, Life with parole after 10 years
Javaris Crittenton, NBA (2007-2011), Voluntary manslaughter, 23 years
Jayson Williams, NBA (1990-1999), Aggravated manslaughter, 5 years
Dan Serafini, MLB (1996-2007), Murder, Sentence pending
Sam Crane, MLB (1914-1927), Second-degree murder, 28-36 years
Ralph Schwamb, MLB (1948), Murder, Life (paroled after 11 years)
Julio Machado, MLB (1989-1991), Manslaughter, 12 years
Pete Schneider, MLB (1914-1919), Manslaughter, 10 months