Darron Lee: Former NFL linebacker indicted on first-degree murder charge
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge following the death of his partner in Tennessee.
A grand jury in Hamilton County returned the indictment on Tuesday after prosecutors dismissed a lesser evidence-tampering charge.
The 31-year-old is accused of killing 29-year-old Gabriella Perpetuo in February.
Medical examiner details severe injuries
An autopsy report listed the victim’s cause of death as multiple blunt force trauma.
The document detailed 12 distinct injuries, including bone fractures, severe bruising and stab wounds.
Evidence presented in court indicated the former Ohio State standout used artificial intelligence to ask how to seek medical help without contacting authorities.
Prosecutors allege he specifically asked ChatGPT if a fall could cause bruising to both eyes and stab-like wounds.
Potential life sentence and prior history
The state is seeking a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a mandatory life sentence in Tennessee.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp stated that a decision regarding the death penalty will be made in the coming weeks.
At the time of his arrest, the former first-round draft pick was already on probation across two separate states.
Court records show these probation terms stemmed from three distinct alleged assaults involving family members and another individual.
NFL career background
Selected 20th overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 draft, the defender played 58 games during his professional career.
He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills before his time in the league concluded in 2020.
He currently remains in the Hamilton County Jail without bond.