Ex-NFL Player Darron Lee Accused of Using ChatGPT to Cover Up Girlfriend's Murder

Prosecutors claim Lee asked AI chatbot for advice after allegedly killing Gabriella Perpetuo in their Tennessee home.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:33pm

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Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is accused of using the AI chatbot ChatGPT to help cover up the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo, in their Ooltewah, Tennessee home. Prosecutors claim Lee asked ChatGPT for advice on how to handle the situation after Perpetuo was found dead, including questions about what to say to authorities and whether a slip-and-fall could cause her injuries.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing role of AI technology in criminal investigations and the potential for it to be misused to obstruct justice. It also raises concerns about domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.

The details

According to prosecutors, the day before Perpetuo was found dead, Lee messaged ChatGPT asking what to do when someone was "not responsive" and if a "slip-and-fall accident could cause puncture wounds." Prosecutors allege Lee was using the AI chatbot as a legal advisor to help him cover up the crime scene. Lee, a former first-round NFL draft pick, has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with or fabricating evidence.

  • On February 1, 2026, Gabriella Perpetuo was found dead in the couple's Ooltewah, Tennessee home.
  • A month after Perpetuo's death, Darron Lee appeared in Hamilton County Court for a hearing on the case.

The players

Darron Lee

A former NFL linebacker who played for the Jets, Chiefs, Bills, and Raiders. He has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with or fabricating evidence in the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo.

Gabriella Perpetuo

Lee's girlfriend who was found dead in the couple's Ooltewah, Tennessee home.

Coty Wamp

The Hamilton County District Attorney who disclosed the new information about Lee's alleged use of ChatGPT during the court hearing.

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What they’re saying

“Don't know what to do right now, Fiancée 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?”

— Darron Lee (ChatGPT)

“Here's what to say without framing it as 'police trouble.'”

— ChatGPT (ChatGPT)

What’s next

Prosecutors say they will pursue the death penalty if Lee is convicted of first-degree murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing role of AI technology in criminal investigations and the potential for it to be misused to obstruct justice. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts around domestic violence.