Former Jets 1st-Round Pick Charged With Murdering Girlfriend

Darron Lee denied bond after being accused of killing Gabriella Perpétuo and tampering with evidence.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Former New York Jets first-round draft pick Darron Lee has been charged with murdering his 29-year-old girlfriend Gabriella Perpétuo and tampering with evidence. Lee was denied bond at a court hearing and may face the death penalty for the alleged crime that occurred on February 5 in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence in professional sports and the need for stronger accountability and support systems for athletes. It also raises questions about Lee's prior criminal history and whether the justice system failed to properly address his past violent behavior.

The details

Police responding to a report of CPR in progress found Perpétuo deceased at the residence. Authorities said the scene was in 'complete disarray' with blood found throughout the home. The medical examiner determined Perpétuo died from blunt force trauma, including a broken neck, black eyes, bruising, bite marks, and stab wounds. Lee claimed Perpétuo may have fallen in the shower due to a narcolepsy diagnosis, but police found evidence of an attempt to clean up the crime scene.

  • On February 5, Gabriella Perpétuo was found dead at a residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
  • On February 11, Darron Lee was denied bond at a court hearing for the charges related to Perpétuo's murder.

The players

Darron Lee

A 31-year-old former first-round draft pick of the New York Jets who has been charged with murdering his girlfriend and tampering with evidence.

Gabriella Perpétuo

A 29-year-old woman who was found dead at a residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee, with the medical examiner determining her death was a homicide.

Brian Lockhart

A Hamilton County Sheriff's Office detective who described the crime scene as being in 'complete disarray' with blood found throughout the home.

Coty Wamp

The District Attorney who argued that Lee's explanation for Perpétuo's death 'doesn't make any sense whatsoever' and pointed out Lee was on probation for a prior violent crime.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Lee was in a home with a female that was, for lack of a better term, beaten to death. And the explanation that he gave doesn't make any sense whatsoever.'”

— Coty Wamp, District Attorney (WTVC)

“'There was blood going up the staircase, on the hand railing there was blood, on the walls there was blood, on the floor in the living room there was blood, in the floor on the hallway and the stairs … there was blood in just about every room except one.'”

— Brian Lockhart, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Detective (WTVC)

What’s next

Lee's next court date is set for March 9, where he will face charges related to Perpétuo's murder and potential death penalty.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger domestic violence prevention and intervention measures, particularly when it involves high-profile athletes with a history of violent behavior. It also highlights the importance of robust probation and parole systems to hold offenders accountable and protect vulnerable victims.