Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is being held without bond in Tennessee after authorities revealed that his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo, was found dead in a rented home with a broken neck, a bite mark, and bloodied "drag marks" across the floor.
Perpetuo was discovered last week inside a residence in Ooltewah, near Chattanooga, after deputies responded to a report of CPR in progress, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later identified her as Lee's girlfriend and said preliminary findings showed she was the victim of a homicide.
Lee, 31, was arrested at the home and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, with prosecutors now indicating they plan to seek the death penalty, according to People.
At a recent hearing, Detective Brian Lockhart testified that Perpetuo suffered a severe brain injury, a fractured neck, multiple stab wounds, and large bite marks, including on her thigh and shoulder.
He described the interior of the house as being in disarray, with a shattered microwave, broken alcohol bottles, and blood on the walls, staircase, floors, and in "every room but one." Lockhart also said investigators saw what appeared to be bloodied "drag marks" on the floor, suggesting Perpetuo's body may have been moved inside the home, TMZ.
Authorities say cleaning supplies, including bleach wipes and spray bottles, were found around the house, and an affidavit alleges Lee tried to clean the scene before he was taken into custody. Blood was even located inside the case of his cell phone, which was seized along with his clothing as evidence, according to court documents.
A Hamilton County judge denied bond for Lee after hearing the details, ordering that he remain jailed as the case moves forward. Online court records show he has been charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering, and officials say additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Lee, a former first-round pick of the New York Jets who also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, previously faced domestic violence-related charges in Ohio in 2023, as per ESPN.
