Former NFL Linebacker Darron Lee Charged with First-Degree Murder

Prosecutors say Lee could face the death penalty for the alleged killing of his girlfriend in Tennessee.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence following the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpetuo, in their Tennessee home. Prosecutors say the evidence against Lee includes two 'aggravating factors' that could make him eligible for the death penalty. Authorities found the victim's body with severe injuries, including brain trauma, a broken neck, and stab wounds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the issue of domestic violence among professional athletes and the potential for the most severe criminal penalties in cases involving extreme violence. It also raises questions about Lee's past legal troubles and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.

The details

According to police, first responders found Perpetuo's body at the couple's rental home in Ooltewah, Tennessee, on February 5th. An autopsy determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma. Investigators say the crime scene was 'in disarray' with blood throughout the home and a shattered microwave. Lee told police that Perpetuo had narcolepsy and likely fell in the shower, but detectives challenged this account based on the severity of her injuries, which included a broken neck, brain trauma, bite marks, and stab wounds.

  • On February 5th, 2026, first responders found Perpetuo's body at the couple's home.
  • On February 8th, 2026, Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
  • On February 12th, 2026, Lee appeared in court for a bond hearing, where prosecutors said he could face the death penalty.

The players

Darron Lee

A 31-year-old former NFL linebacker who is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his girlfriend.

Gabriella Carvalho Perpetuo

Lee's 29-year-old girlfriend who was found dead in the couple's Tennessee home.

Coty Wamp

The Hamilton County District Attorney who said the evidence against Lee includes two 'aggravating factors' that could make him eligible for the death penalty.

Brian Lockhart

A Hamilton County Sheriff's Office detective who provided graphic details about the crime scene, including blood throughout the home and severe injuries to the victim.

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What they’re saying

“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 (NewsChannel9.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Darron Lee out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence among professional athletes and the potential for the most severe criminal penalties in cases involving extreme violence. It also raises questions about Lee's past legal troubles and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy.