Topline: Forensic evidence indicates Gabriella Perpetuo was attacked multiple times before authorities arrived at the residence.
Published: February 13, 2026 1:09 pm ET
Must Read
Right: Gabriella Perpetuo, Left: Darron Lee (via GoFundMe/Icon Sportswire)
OOLTEWAH, TN — Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after authorities found his girlfriend dead with a broken neck and stab wounds in a Tennessee home on Feb. 5.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim on Feb. 10 as Gabriella Perpetuo. Deputies discovered Perpetuo after responding to a call for CPR being performed at Lee’s residence.
Lee also faces a charge of tampering with evidence. Investigators allege the former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs player attempted to clean the scene before police arrived, as reported by People Magazine.Detective Brian Lockhart told Local 3 that Perpetuo suffered a “severe brain injury” and had a bite mark on her thigh. She had also been stabbed several times.
Lockhart said the interior of the home showed signs of a violent struggle. He described a smashed microwave and bloodied drag marks across the floors.
According to Lockhart, investigators found blood in “every room of the house but one.” Blood was also discovered on the banister of the staircase.
Alcohol bottles were scattered throughout the residence. Authorities stated in an affidavit that they found cleaning supplies around the house, suggesting an effort to scrub the scene.
During his arraignment this week, Lee told the court that Perpetuo may have fallen in the shower, according to Local 3. Lee was on probation in Florida and Ohio at the time of his arrest.
The sheriff’s office indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Online court records do not show if Lee has hired an attorney or entered a formal plea.
Perpetuo’s cousin established a GoFundMe page to help her parents travel from Florida to Tennessee to retrieve her body. The family intends to use the money for funeral costs and legal fees.
Lee played several seasons in the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2016 draft. He is being held pending a court appearance scheduled for March 9.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Horrific Injuries Detailed in Death of Darron Lee’s Girlfriend
Forensic evidence indicates Gabriella Perpetuo was attacked multiple times before authorities arrived at the residence.
By Kate Byrd
Published: February 13, 2026 1:09 pm ET
Right: Gabriella Perpetuo, Left: Darron Lee (via GoFundMe/Icon Sportswire)
OOLTEWAH, TN — Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after authorities found his girlfriend dead with a broken neck and stab wounds in a Tennessee home on Feb. 5.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim on Feb. 10 as Gabriella Perpetuo. Deputies discovered Perpetuo after responding to a call for CPR being performed at Lee’s residence.
Lee also faces a charge of tampering with evidence. Investigators allege the former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs player attempted to clean the scene before police arrived, as reported by People Magazine.Detective Brian Lockhart told Local 3 that Perpetuo suffered a “severe brain injury” and had a bite mark on her thigh. She had also been stabbed several times.
Lockhart said the interior of the home showed signs of a violent struggle. He described a smashed microwave and bloodied drag marks across the floors.
According to Lockhart, investigators found blood in “every room of the house but one.” Blood was also discovered on the banister of the staircase.
Alcohol bottles were scattered throughout the residence. Authorities stated in an affidavit that they found cleaning supplies around the house, suggesting an effort to scrub the scene.
During his arraignment this week, Lee told the court that Perpetuo may have fallen in the shower, according to Local 3. Lee was on probation in Florida and Ohio at the time of his arrest.
The sheriff’s office indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Online court records do not show if Lee has hired an attorney or entered a formal plea.
Perpetuo’s cousin established a GoFundMe page to help her parents travel from Florida to Tennessee to retrieve her body. The family intends to use the money for funeral costs and legal fees.
Lee played several seasons in the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2016 draft. He is being held pending a court appearance scheduled for March 9.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Horrific Injuries Detailed in Death of Darron Lee’s Girlfriend
Forensic evidence indicates Gabriella Perpetuo was attacked multiple times before authorities arrived at the residence.
By Kate Byrd
Published: February 13, 2026 1:09 pm ET
Right: Gabriella Perpetuo, Left: Darron Lee (via GoFundMe/Icon Sportswire)
OOLTEWAH, TN — Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after authorities found his girlfriend dead with a broken neck and stab wounds in a Tennessee home on Feb. 5.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim on Feb. 10 as Gabriella Perpetuo. Deputies discovered Perpetuo after responding to a call for CPR being performed at Lee’s residence.
Lee also faces a charge of tampering with evidence. Investigators allege the former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs player attempted to clean the scene before police arrived, as reported by People Magazine.Detective Brian Lockhart told Local 3 that Perpetuo suffered a “severe brain injury” and had a bite mark on her thigh. She had also been stabbed several times.
Lockhart said the interior of the home showed signs of a violent struggle. He described a smashed microwave and bloodied drag marks across the floors.
According to Lockhart, investigators found blood in “every room of the house but one.” Blood was also discovered on the banister of the staircase.
Alcohol bottles were scattered throughout the residence. Authorities stated in an affidavit that they found cleaning supplies around the house, suggesting an effort to scrub the scene.
During his arraignment this week, Lee told the court that Perpetuo may have fallen in the shower, according to Local 3. Lee was on probation in Florida and Ohio at the time of his arrest.
The sheriff’s office indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Online court records do not show if Lee has hired an attorney or entered a formal plea.
Perpetuo’s cousin established a GoFundMe page to help her parents travel from Florida to Tennessee to retrieve her body. The family intends to use the money for funeral costs and legal fees.
Lee played several seasons in the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2016 draft. He is being held pending a court appearance scheduled for March 9.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788 to connect with trained advocates 24/7. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages. You can also visit thehotline.org for more information and resources.
Must Read
