On February 4, 2026, former NFL linebacker Darron Lee sent a message to ChatGPT asking what to do after finding his girlfriend unresponsive. He told the AI that his girlfriend had “done her crazy thing again and now she’s messed up” and described her swollen eyes and a possible self-inflicted stab wound. Lee wrote, “She has two swollen eyes (I didn’t do anything, self inflicted) she stabbed herself, slit her eye? Idk but she isn’t waking up or responding, what do I do?” according to court-released messages. The exchange occurred just one day before police were called to their Hamilton County residence.
Charges and Crime Scene Details
A former Ohio State Buckeye linebacker Darron Lee is accused of murdering a woman from Framingham, Massachusetts, in Tennessee. Darron Lee (43) played for Ohio State University from 2013 to 2015.
Lee was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with or fabricating evidence, and he remains held without bond. Authorities said Gabriella Perpetuo, 29, was found on February 5 with a broken neck, severe brain injury, stab wounds and a bite mark on her shoulder. The judge described her death as “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel” and noted it allegedly involved torture or physical abuse beyond what is necessary to cause death.
Timeline of Events
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Darron Lee (52) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On February 4 Lee’s ChatGPT conversation took place; the next day, February 5, officers arrived at the couple’s home and discovered Perpetuo’s body. Lee initially told responding officers he had been sleeping a long time and immediately called 911 upon finding her unresponsive on the couch. Prosecutors presented the ChatGPT logs as part of a preliminary hearing, showing Lee’s attempt to seek advice before contacting emergency services. The messages were submitted as evidence of his alleged effort to cover up the crime.
NFL Career Before 2020
New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (58) celebrates an Indianapolis fumble, recovered by teammate Jordan Jenkins in the first half. The New York Jets host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6 on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in East Rutherford. Nyj Vs Ind
Darron Lee was a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, selected 20th overall by the New York Jets. He played three seasons with the Jets (2016-2018) before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2019 season. After one year in Kansas City, Lee was dealt to the Buffalo Bills, where he finished his NFL tenure. His career totals include 273 tackles, 4 sacks and 3 interceptions across 58 regular-season games (38 starts).
2020 Season With the Buffalo Bills
Dec 10, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Lee’s 2020 campaign with the Bills was limited to just two games, both in November after his reinstatement from a four-game suspension. He was reinstated by the NFL in October 2020 following the suspension for undisclosed violations of league policy. ESPN’s game log shows Lee recorded 1 solo tackle against the Arizona Cardinals on November 15, with no recorded statistics in his second appearance against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 29. After the season, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent in June 2021.
Injuries Described by Authorities
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Vonn Bell (11) celebrates a fumble returned for a touchdown by teammate linebacker Darron Lee (43) during the 4th quarter of the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on Nov. 29, 2014.
Medical examiners reported that Perpetuo suffered a fractured cervical vertebra, a severe cerebral contusion, multiple stab wounds to the torso and a bite mark on her shoulder. The combination of trauma indicated a prolonged assault rather than a single instant act. Investigators noted the injuries were consistent with blunt force, sharp force and possible human bite patterns. The coroner’s office classified the death as a homicide.
Prosecutors Present AI Messages as Evidence
Sep 17, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Darron Lee (58) warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors played audio of Lee’s ChatGPT exchanges, highlighting his request for guidance on handling an unresponsive person. They argued the messages demonstrated Lee’s intent to manipulate the situation and delay contacting law enforcement. The chatbot’s replies, which urged him to seek professional help, were entered to show that Lee ignored safe advice. The prosecution contended the AI interaction was a key element of his alleged intent to cover up the crime.
Chatbot’s Responses to Lee’s Queries
Oct 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) runs for a touchdown against New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (58) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In one reply, ChatGPT told Lee: “Okay, this is serious, but you can handle it clearly and protect everyone. Here’s exactly what to tell your friend, step by step, no fluff.” The bot repeatedly advised him to call emergency services and seek medical attention. Lee’s failure to follow that guidance was highlighted by prosecutors as evidence of his intent to cover up the crime.
Legal and Family Reactions
Nov 2, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) carries the ball as New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Lee’s attorney, Mike Little, stated it was too early to comment on the allegations and that the defense would review all evidence. Perpetuo’s family described her as someone who was studying to become a registered nurse. Her family expressed grief and disbelief following her death. The family has set up a memorial fund in her name. Separately, Perpetuo’s family has filed a $50 million wrongful death civil lawsuit against Lee.
Current Status and Next Steps
Dec 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is pursued by New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee (58) in the second quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images
As of March 2026, Darron Lee remains detained in Hamilton County without bond awaiting trial. The preliminary hearing concluded on March 9, 2026, with the case bound over to a Hamilton County Grand Jury, where additional evidence, including forensic reports and witness testimony, will be examined as proceedings continue. The DA’s office has also stated it is actively considering pursuing the death penalty, citing aggravating factors that make Lee eligible under Tennessee law. If convicted of first-degree murder, Lee faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole at minimum. The outcome will determine whether the former NFL linebacker spends the remainder of his life incarcerated.
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Sources:
“Prosecutor Alleges Ex-NFL Player Darron Lee Consulted AI Bot to Help Cover Up Girlfriend’s Killing.” Associated Press, March 2026.
“Darron Lee Asked ChatGPT How to Cover Up Crime Scene After Allegedly Killing Girlfriend, Prosecutors Say.” People, March 10, 2026.
“Prosecutors Say Darron Lee Used ChatGPT to Try to Cover February Murder of Girlfriend in Ooltewah.” WDEF News 12, March 8, 2026.
“Former NFL LB Darron Lee Could Face Death Penalty, Prosecutor Says.” Reuters, February 11, 2026.
“Darron Lee Career Stats.” ESPN NFL Statistics Database, 2026.
