Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo (also reported as Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo), a 29-year-old woman found dead in their home in Ooltewah, Tennessee (Hamilton County), on February 5, 2026.
Lee, 31, a former first-round pick by the New York Jets who played five seasons in the NFL after starring at Ohio State, was arrested at the scene shortly after authorities responded to the residence. Prosecutors allege that Perpetuo died from stab wounds and other injuries, and that Lee was responsible.
What has drawn widespread attention to the case is the role of ChatGPT in the evidence presented during a preliminary hearing on March 9, 2026. Detectives testified that messages from Lee’s phone showed he interacted extensively with the AI chatbot—dozens of times over a two-day period—seeking advice on how to handle the situation.
According to court testimony and prosecutors:
- On February 4 (the day before the 911 call), Lee allegedly described a scenario to ChatGPT in which his fiancée had engaged in self-harm, stating she “did her crazy thing again and now she’s messed up,” mentioning swollen eyes (claimed as self-inflicted), stabbing herself, and slitting her eye. He reportedly asked what to do since she was unresponsive.
- Other prompts allegedly involved questions about injuries resembling those from a fall, what to say when calling authorities, and how to handle or cover up a scene involving an unresponsive person—without directly framing it as involving police trouble.
- Prosecutors described Lee as treating ChatGPT like a “legal advisor” or “defense attorney,” with one response from the chatbot reportedly suggesting phrasing for what to tell others or authorities.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp highlighted these exchanges as evidence of attempts to fabricate an alibi or cover up the crime.
Lee has been held without bond following the hearing. The case remains ongoing, with the presented evidence—including body camera footage, crime scene details, and the ChatGPT logs—playing a key role in the prosecution’s arguments so far.
This incident underscores the growing intersection of AI tools in criminal investigations, where digital footprints like chatbot conversations can become significant evidentiary elements.
Former NFL player asked ChatGPT for advice after girlfriend’s murder, prosecutors say
Ex-NFL player charged with murder asked ChatGPT for advice before 911 call, prosecutors say
Ex-NFL player accused of murder used ChatGPT
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