Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee faces heavy charges in Tennessee after the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpetuo. During a court hearing on March 9, 2026, prosecutors shared shocking evidence from Lee’s phone. They claim Lee used the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT to help him handle the situation after Perpetuo died.
Ex-NFL player asked ChatGPT for advice after girlfriend’s murder: ‘What do I do?’ https://t.co/TF2TvCW7xD pic.twitter.com/6GA0z436xO
— New York Post (@nypost) March 10, 2026
According to District Attorney Coty Wamp, Lee sent messages to the chatbot on February 4, 2026. This was more than 24 hours before he called emergency workers. One message from Lee reportedly said his fiancee had “stabbed herself” and was “not waking up or responding.”
He then asked the bot, “What do I do?” A detective testified that the AI gave Lee advice on how to proceed. Part of the AI response read, “Here is exactly what [redacted] is the safest way to handle it without framing it as ‘police trouble’.”
Investigators say Lee also asked the AI if a “slip and fall” could cause “puncture wounds.” Prosecutors believe Lee was looking for a way to hide what really happened. They argue he was seeking legal representation from a computer program rather than calling for immediate medical help. When police finally arrived at the home on February 5, 2026, they found Perpetuo dead.
Lee played for the New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs during his NFL career. He now faces a charge of first degree murder. The court heard that the 24-hour delay in calling emergency services is a major piece of evidence for the state.
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Darron Lee (52) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Darron Lee (52) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prosecutors claim this delay shows Lee was more worried about his own safety than saving the life of Perpetuo. The case has gained national attention because it shows a rare example of a suspect using AI technology during an alleged crime.
Lee remains in custody as the legal process moves forward in Hamilton County.
Darron Lee completes five seasons in the NFL
Darron Lee played 5 seasons as a linebacker in the NFL. The New York Jets selected him with the 20th pick in 2016. He played 40 games for the Jets. Later, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs and won a Super Bowl ring in 2019.
Leefinished his career with 273 tackles and 4.0 sacks. He also had 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown. His professional journey included time with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.
Before the NFL, Lee won a national title at Ohio State. He was the MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl. His total career earnings reached $18.3 million.