NFL player indicted for murder; prosecutors cite ChatGPT messages as evidence
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of his girlfriend Gabriella Perpetuo in February 2026. Prosecutors cited messages Lee sent to ChatGPT asking how to handle an unresponsive person and injuries consistent with a fall, without calling police, as key evidence in the case.
What happened
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee was indicted on first-degree murder charges in the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo, who died in February 2026 from multiple blunt force injuries. A grand jury in Hamilton County, Tennessee returned the indictment on June 11, 2026.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Lee consulted ChatGPT about how to address an unresponsive person and injuries consistent with a fall. According to court evidence, Lee asked the AI assistant whether a fall could cause bruising to two eyes and "two stabby looking wounds" and how to get medical help without calling the police.
Reported impact
Gabriella Perpetuo, 29, died from multiple blunt force injuries according to the medical examiner's autopsy report, which documented 12 different injuries including multiple hematomas, bone fractures and stab wounds.
Index analysis
ChatGPT messages were cited as key evidence by prosecutors, who presented them during preliminary hearings as part of a broader body of evidence including body camera footage and testimony from investigators.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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