Former NFL Player Charged with Murder, Sought AI Advice

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Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he asked an artificial intelligence chatbot for advice following the death of his girlfriend in their Tennessee home. Prosecutors allege Lee's messages to ChatGPT described his girlfriend's injuries and sought guidance on how to handle the situation before contacting emergency services.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing role of digital evidence, including interactions with AI systems, in criminal investigations. It also raises questions about privacy and the potential misuse of AI technology to conceal wrongdoing.

The details

Lee, a former first-round draft pick, was arrested in February after his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, was found dead in their Ooltewah, Tennessee home. Prosecutors say the crime scene contained significant blood evidence and the medical findings showed severe injuries, including blunt force trauma. Lee's defense team has argued the case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, but a judge ruled there was enough to move forward with the first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges.

• On February 5, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo was found unresponsive at the couple's home.
• In February, Darron Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering.

What they’re saying

What’s next

A judge will decide whether Lee should be allowed out on bail as the prosecution continues its investigation. Prosecutors have not ruled out seeking the death penalty if Lee is convicted.