Ex-NFL Player Charged with Girlfriend's Murder Sought ChatGPT Advice Before 911 Call

Prosecutors say Darron Lee asked AI chatbot for help before reporting girlfriend's death

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Prosecutors in Tennessee have presented evidence that former NFL player Darron Lee, charged with murdering his girlfriend Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, sought advice from the AI chatbot ChatGPT before contacting authorities. Lee, 31, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, with investigators saying he asked ChatGPT what to do after finding his girlfriend unresponsive, a day before calling 911.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing role of AI technology in criminal investigations, as well as the potential for defendants to seek guidance from AI systems in the aftermath of alleged crimes. It raises questions about how courts will handle evidence derived from AI chatbots and the broader implications of AI's influence on human decision-making.

The details

Prosecutors say Lee asked ChatGPT the question "Don't know what to do right now. Fiancee [sic] did her crazy thing again and now she's messed up, I wake up and she has two swollen eyes (i didn't do anything, self inflicted) she stabbed herself, slit her eye? Idk but she isn't waking up or responding, what do I do?" with a timestamp of 11:18 a.m. on February 4, a day before authorities responded to the home. Investigators documented multiple injuries on Perpétuo's body, including a suspected stab wound and a human bite mark, and found evidence that blood had been cleaned from several areas of the home.

  • On February 4, 2026, Lee allegedly asked ChatGPT for advice before contacting authorities.
  • On February 5, 2026, police responded to the home and Lee was arrested.

The players

Darron Lee

A 31-year-old former NFL player charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo.

Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo

Lee's girlfriend, who was found dead in their Tennessee home.

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What they’re saying

“Don't know what to do right now. Fiancee [sic] did her crazy thing again and now she's messed up, I wake up and she has two swollen eyes (i didn't do anything, self inflicted) she stabbed herself, slit her eye? Idk but she isn't waking up or responding, what do I do?”

— Darron Lee (ChatGPT)

“She wasn't saying anything and that's when I called 911 immediately and I was like what is going on.. I was asleep for a long time.”

— Darron Lee (WTVC)

What’s next

Lee's preliminary hearing will continue, with prosecutors expected to present more evidence against him. The judge will then decide whether the case will proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing role of AI technology in criminal investigations and the potential for defendants to seek guidance from AI systems in the aftermath of alleged crimes. It raises important questions about how courts will handle evidence derived from AI chatbots and the broader implications of AI's influence on human decision-making.