Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty Against Former NFL Linebacker Darron Lee After Allegedly Killing His Girlfriend in Tennessee

What began as a promising football career has now spiraled into one of the most disturbing criminal cases tied to a former NFL player in recent memory.

Prosecutors in Tennessee are pursuing the death penalty against ex-linebacker Darron Lee, who stands accused of killing his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, inside their home near Chattanooga.

Lee, once a first-round draft pick for the New York Jets, appeared in court this week where a judge denied him bond.

He now faces first-degree murder and tampering with evidence charges as the case moves forward.

Inside the Tennessee Home

Investigators painted a grim picture of what they say they found when they entered the residence.

According to testimony in court, blood was found in nearly every room of the house — on walls, floors, stair railings, and even inside a vehicle parked in the garage.

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brian Lockhart described the home as chaotic and disturbed.

Boxes cluttered the living room. Items were scattered about. Perpétuo was found lying on her back on the floor.

Lockhart testified that blood trails ran up the staircase and across hallways, suggesting movement through multiple parts of the house.

The only room reportedly untouched by blood was a single isolated space.

The microwave was shattered. Glass and alcohol bottles were strewn across the home.

Upstairs, detectives found cleaning supplies, including bleach wipes and a spray bottle — details prosecutors believe point to attempted evidence tampering.

Conflicting Stories

Lee reportedly called 911 himself from the property, which sits roughly two and a half hours outside Nashville.

When authorities arrived, he was still at the home.

According to court testimony, Lee claimed that Perpétuo suffered from narcolepsy and may have fallen in the shower, causing her injuries.

Investigators quickly disputed that explanation.

The autopsy revealed severe brain trauma, a broken neck, bruising across her body, stab wounds to her legs, and a large bite mark on her shoulder and thigh.

The medical examiner ultimately ruled that she died from blunt force trauma — findings prosecutors say are inconsistent with an accidental fall.

Courtroom Developments

Wednesday’s hearing focused solely on whether Lee should be granted bond.

No jury was present. Instead, the court heard arguments from both sides.

Lee’s defense team requested bond, but District Attorney Coty Wamp argued that Lee posed a significant risk, citing both the severity of the allegations and his past criminal history.

Judge Tori Smith agreed and ordered that Lee remain in custody.

His next court appearance is scheduled for March 9.

If convicted of first-degree murder and if aggravating circumstances are proven, Tennessee law allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

That decision signals just how serious the state views the allegations.

A Troubled Past

This is not Lee’s first encounter with the criminal justice system.

In 2023, he was arrested in Ohio on assault and domestic violence charges after being accused of violently attacking a woman — allegedly pushing her against a wall, throwing her to the ground, and striking her repeatedly.

He later entered a guilty plea as part of a deal.

At the time of the recent incident in Tennessee, Lee was reportedly on probation in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities have also indicated he moved to Tennessee without securing approval from his probation officer — a violation that may complicate his legal standing further.

From Championship Glory to Legal Collapse

Lee’s fall from grace has been dramatic.

After winning a national championship with Ohio State in 2014, he entered the NFL as the 20th overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Over three seasons with the Jets, he tallied 241 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and four sacks before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.

He spent one season in Kansas City, recording 31 tackles across 16 games.

Later short stints with the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders followed before he was released in 2021.

Like many former players whose careers end abruptly, Lee largely faded from the public spotlight — until now.

The NFL has faced growing scrutiny in recent years over player conduct and post-career support systems, particularly concerning domestic violence and behavioral issues.

While no official league statement has been released in this case, past incidents involving former players have reignited conversations about accountability and mental health resources for athletes transitioning out of professional sports.

A Family in Mourning

As the legal process unfolds, Perpétuo’s family is grieving.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by her cousin is raising money to help cover funeral costs, travel expenses, and legal fees.

Her parents, Monique and Nilson, traveled from Florida to Tennessee to retrieve their daughter’s body and bring her home so friends and loved ones can say their final goodbyes.

For them, the courtroom arguments and football history mean little.

Their focus is on honoring Gabriella’s life and navigating an unimaginable loss.

What’s Next?

Lee remains behind bars as prosecutors continue building their case.

The March 9 court date will likely address procedural matters and could set the timeline for future hearings.

If the case advances toward trial, it may take months — or even years — before a verdict is reached, especially in a potential death penalty case, which requires a separate sentencing phase.

Investigators are still analyzing evidence from the home, including forensic findings that could play a pivotal role in court.

Defense attorneys are expected to challenge both the physical evidence and the prosecution’s narrative of events.

If convicted of first-degree murder with aggravating factors, Lee could face life imprisonment without parole or capital punishment under Tennessee law.

Summary

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is facing first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges in Tennessee after the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, citing disturbing crime scene evidence and the severity of her injuries, which included blunt force trauma, a broken neck, and stab wounds.

Lee was denied bond and remains in custody ahead of his March 9 court date.

The case has drawn national attention not only because of Lee’s former NFL career but also due to his prior legal troubles and probation status at the time of the alleged crime.

Meanwhile, Perpétuo’s family is raising funds to cover funeral and legal expenses as they prepare to lay her to rest.