Former NFL player Darron Lee is facing a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit after being [charged with the murder](https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2026/02/ex-nfl-first-rounder-ohio-state-star-could-get-death-penalty-in-murder-case.html) of his girlfriend earlier this month.
The complaint was filed in Hamilton County Circuit Court by the family of Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo -- the victim of the murder -- [according to News Channel 9](https://newschannel9.com/news/local/ex-nfl-player-darron-lee-hit-with-50-million-wrongful-death-lawsuit-from-victims-family-hamilton-county-civil-suit-darron-lee-lawsuit-wrongful-death-complaint-tennessee-compensatory-damages-punitive-damages-request-gabriella-carvalho-perpetuo) in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The filing states that Lee intentionally and violently assaulted Perpétuo, per News 9.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brian Lockhart testified last week that there was blood on the staircase, handrails, walls, floors and in nearly every room of the house Perpétuo was killed in, News 9 reports.
In addition, Lockhart said that the victim suffered severe brain trauma, a broken neck, bruising across her body, a large bite mark on her shoulder and thigh, stab wounds to her legs and significant facial trauma.
Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Perpétuo’s body was found inside a rented home in Ooltewah, Tenn on Feb. 5.
Lee was denied bond this past Wednesday and prosecutors have indicated that they intend to seek the death penalty in his case.
The 31-year-old Lee starred at Ohio State, winning a national championship, before the Jets drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
He went on to spend three seasons with the Jets and also spent time with the Chiefs, Bills and Raiders, winning a Super Bowl during the 2019 season with Kansas City.
Darron Lee was also arrested in Ohio in 2023 after his child’s mother told police that he attacked her.