Former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker and NFL first-round draft pick Darron Lee has been formally indicted on a first-degree murder charge in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Gabriela Perpetuo.
A Hamilton County grand jury returned the indictment this week after Lee was arrested following Perpetuo’s death in February 2026. Prosecutors dismissed a separate tampering-with-evidence charge and are focusing exclusively on the murder allegation. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said the state is pursuing a first-degree murder conviction, which carries a potential life sentence. Authorities are also considering whether to seek the death penalty, with a final decision expected as the case moves forward.
Perpetuo, 29, died at a residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee. The cause of death was multiple blunt-force injuries, according to the medical examiner. The autopsy documented 12 separate injuries, including hematomas, bone fractures, stab wounds, severe brain trauma, a broken neck, bruising throughout the body, bite marks, and cuts to the face.
Investigators previously testified that the scene contained blood on staircases, walls, floors, handrails, and in multiple rooms. Broken glass, alcohol bottles, bleach wipes, cleaning supplies, and a spray bottle were also reportedly found inside the home. Lee called 911 and told dispatchers that Perpetuo was unresponsive and may have fallen in the shower.
Court records cited by prosecutors allege Lee consulted ChatGPT regarding how to handle an unresponsive person and asked questions about injuries consistent with a shower fall. Investigators have alleged those searches were related to efforts to make the death appear accidental.
Lee remains in the Hamilton County Jail without bond. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly on probation in both Ohio and Florida stemming from separate assault-related cases.
Perpetuo’s estate has also filed a $50 million wrongful-death lawsuit against Lee.
Before his legal troubles, Lee was one of Ohio State’s standout defenders. During the Buckeyes’ 2014 national championship season, he recorded 81 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. He earned Defensive MVP honors in the 2015 Sugar Bowl against Alabama after amassing seven tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss.
Lee entered the 2016 NFL Draft and was selected No. 20 overall by the New York Jets. He appeared in 58 NFL games with the Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills between 2016 and 2020 and was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV championship team.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker and NFL first-round draft pick Darron Lee has been formally indicted on a first-degree murder charge in Hamilton County, Tennessee, in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Gabriela Perpetuo. A Hamilton County grand jury returned the indictment this week after Lee was arrested following Perpetuo’s death in February 2026.
