Ex-NFL Player Darron Lee's Murder Trial Set for September 2027; Allegations Include ChatGPT Use

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is scheduled to stand trial on September 20, 2027, for the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpétuo. Lee, 31, appeared in a Hamilton County, Tennessee, courtroom on Thursday, where the trial date was set by Judge Barry Steelman. First-degree murder trials in Tennessee commonly commence between 12 to 24 months after charges are filed.

Lee, who is currently incarcerated, could face the death penalty in connection with Perpétuo's death, which occurred in February. A medical examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries, with the autopsy report detailing 12 distinct injuries, including severe hematomas, bone fractures, and stab wounds. Lee's attorney entered a 'no plea' during a July hearing, which is recognized in Tennessee as a plea of 'not guilty.'

Prosecutors allege that Lee used ChatGPT to inquire about obtaining medical assistance without involving law enforcement. Evidence presented during preliminary hearings suggests Lee also asked the AI assistant whether a fall could cause bruising to both eyes and 'two stabby looking wounds.' Further claims indicate Lee questioned ChatGPT about injuries consistent with a fall in the shower. Bodycam footage from the scene shows Lee telling an officer that Perpétuo might have slipped and fallen in the shower, while denying knowledge of what transpired.

Perpétuo's mother, Noemia, filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Lee shortly after her daughter's death. Legal representatives for the family are reportedly considering legal action against the AI company, citing its alleged involvement in the crime. An attorney for the family stated, "The defendant in this case engaged ChatGPT to cover up a crime. We feel like that it's important that ChatGPT and all AI platforms have guardrails in place where they can engage, but not engage without consequences."

Details from the crime scene revealed that blood was present in most rooms of the Tennessee home where Perpétuo was found deceased. Detective Brian Lockhart of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office described the scene as being in disarray, with boxes and scattered items. The victim was found on the floor of the living room, with blood present on the stairs, walls, and floors throughout the house.

Perpétuo was discovered topless and had sustained severe injuries, including brain trauma, a broken neck, extensive bruising, and a bite mark on her shoulder and thigh. The autopsy indicated stab wounds to her legs and concluded her death was due to blunt force trauma. The microwave was reportedly shattered, and glass and alcohol bottles were found scattered. Cleaning supplies, including bleach wipes and a spray bottle, were discovered upstairs.

Lee reportedly made the 911 call from the residence outside Chattanooga. He was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

Lee played 58 games in the NFL between 2016 and 2020 for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills. He was selected 20th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Jets after winning a national championship with Ohio State. During his NFL career, he recorded 241 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He was traded to the Chiefs and later played briefly for the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders before his release in 2021.