Former NFL Star Darron Lee Faces First-Degree Murder Charges in Girlfriend's Brutal Death
Darron Lee, a former linebacker for the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs who stepped away from professional football in 2020, is now at the center of a shocking criminal case that has stunned the sports community and beyond. Lee has been charged with first-degree murder for the alleged brutal killing of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, whose body was discovered at their rented home in Tennessee on February 5th.
Family Remembers Gabriella as Loving and Outgoing
While the murder allegations have sparked widespread panic and media attention, Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo's family is choosing to remember her vibrant personality and kind spirit. In an emotional interview with Local 3 News, her mother Monique opened up about her beloved daughter, describing her as "a very, very hands-on big sister" who was always there for her younger sibling.
"She was very loving," Monique said through tears. "Gabriella would sing lullabies to her sister to help her fall asleep better." The grieving mother continued, painting a picture of a young woman who connected easily with others: "She was a people's person. She talked to everybody. She was friends with everybody."
Tragic Discovery at Newly Rented Home
The couple's story came to a devastating end when Gabriella was found dead at the apartment she shared with Lee in Tennessee. Disturbingly, the pair had moved into the rental property just ten days before the tragic incident occurred. When first responders arrived at the scene, Gabriella had already stopped breathing.
Lee initially told authorities that his girlfriend had fallen in the shower, but investigators quickly found inconsistencies with this explanation. The young woman's body showed evidence of:
- Multiple stab wounds
- A deep wound on her head
- Bite marks around her thighs
Bloody Crime Scene Leads to Additional Charges
The investigation took a more serious turn when detectives allegedly discovered the entire home covered in blood, leading to Lee's arrest. Authorities have also charged the former NFL player with tampering with evidence, alleging that he attempted to clean blood from the crime scene.
Lee is scheduled to appear for a hearing on March 9th. In a separate civil action, Gabriella's estate has filed a lawsuit against Lee seeking $50 million in damages.
This case represents a dramatic fall from grace for the 28-year-old athlete who was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft and played four seasons in the league before his career ended in 2020. The shocking allegations have raised questions about domestic violence and the challenges athletes face after leaving professional sports.
