Former National Football League (NFL) linebacker Darron Lee has been indicted on a murder charge in connection with the death of his partner, Gabriella Perpetuo. A grand jury in Hamilton County, USA, returned the indictment on Tuesday, with prosecutors opting to dismiss a previous charge of tampering with evidence to focus on the more serious allegation. The state is pursuing a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a potential life sentence, though a decision on whether to seek the death penalty is expected in the coming weeks.
Ms Perpetuo, 29, died in February, with a medical examiner listing the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. The autopsy report detailed a dozen different injuries, including multiple hematomas, bone fractures, and wounds described as 'stabby looking'. At the time of his arrest, Mr Lee was reportedly on probation in two separate US states, Franklin County, Ohio, and Alachua County, Florida, following charges in three alleged assaults involving other individuals, according to court records.
A significant aspect of the prosecution's case involves alleged messages exchanged by Mr Lee with an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. Prosecutors claim Mr Lee asked the AI assistant how to obtain medical assistance without contacting the police. Further evidence presented in court suggests he inquired whether a fall could result in bruising to both eyes and 'two stabby looking wounds'. Mr Lee currently remains in Hamilton County Jail without bond.
Mr Lee, 31, was a prominent college player at Ohio State before being selected by the New York Jets as the 20th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract with the Jets, including guaranteed earnings of approximately £6.2 million (USD 7.9 million at the time). However, he departed the team in 2019 due to disciplinary issues and performance concerns. He was part of the Kansas City Chiefs roster that secured the Super Bowl victory in February 2020, although he did not participate in the game itself. His final NFL appearance was for the Buffalo Bills in November 2020.