Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of his girlfriend, with prosecutors alleging he used ChatGPT in an attempt to cover his tracks after the crime.
Lee, 31, a native of New Albany, Ohio, faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the Feb. 5 death of Gabriella Perpetuo, 29. According to prosecutors, Lee sent dozens of messages to the AI tool over a two-day span, allegedly using it as a form of "legal advisor" while trying to conceal evidence tied to the incident.
A former standout at Ohio State, Lee helped the Buckeyes win the 2014 national championship before entering the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2016 draft by the New York Jets . The linebacker spent three seasons in New York and later had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs , Buffalo Bills , and Las Vegas Raiders . During his time with Kansas City, Lee was part of the team that captured the Super Bowl LIV title in the 2019 season.
Lee's legal troubles predate the current case. In 2022, he was accused of assaulting two women in Ohio and ultimately pleaded guilty in 2025 to a reduced charge of attempted assault. He was also arrested in 2023 after the mother of his child told police he had attacked her. At a March 9 hearing in Hamilton County court, a judge denied Lee bond and ordered the case to be presented to a grand jury. Meanwhile, Perpetuo's family has filed a civil lawsuit against the former NFL player as the case moves forward.
New Albany's Darron Lee (8) carries the ball up field against the Olentangy defense during the 1st half of their OHSAA high school football game at New Albany High School, October 4, 2012. (Dispatch photo by Kyle Robertson)
Darron Lee was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but moved to New Albany, Ohio, in sixth grade and later attended New Albany High School. Details about his family are still unknown. He quickly emerged as one of the program's most dynamic playmakers. Lee lined up all over the field—quarterback, wide receiver, safety, and return specialist—showcasing the kind of versatility coaches love.
As a senior, he helped lead the team to a state semifinal appearance and earned first-team Associated Press Division II All-State honors after accounting for more than 1,700 yards of offense and 21 touchdowns, while also snagging five interceptions on defense.
Lee took his talents to Ohio State, where his college career began with a brief setback. He appeared in two games as a true freshman in 2013 before suffering an injury that led to a medical redshirt. The following year proved to be a turning point. After his redshirt freshman season in 2014, Lee made the switch to linebacker and quickly locked down a starting role in the Buckeyes' defense.
Across his NFL career, Lee compiled 273 total tackles, including 178 solo tackles and 95 assists. He added four sacks and two forced fumbles, though he did not record a fumble recovery. In coverage, Lee logged three interceptions for 82 return yards, averaging 27.3 yards per return, with one touchdown and a longest return of 36 yards. He also recorded 11 passes defended. On special teams, Lee contributed 16 tackles for 46 yards, with no blocked kicks during his career.
His breakout moment came on the big stage in the 2015 Sugar Bowl, where Lee delivered a standout performance with seven tackles and two sacks, earning Defensive MVP honors. That rise through the ranks helped cement his draft stock, and in 2016, the New York Jets selected Lee with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Lee retired in 2021, after he was released from the Las Vegas Raiders.
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