A shocking murder case in Tennessee has taken an unusual turn after prosecutors revealed that a former NFL player allegedly used an AI chatbot to seek advice after his girlfriend’s death. Authorities say the suspect searched for guidance on how to handle the situation before eventually calling emergency services hours later. The case has raised questions about the role of technology in criminal investigations and how digital evidence can become part of a trial.
Former NFL Player Charged in Girlfriend’s Death
Darron Lee, a 30-year-old former NFL linebacker, is facing serious criminal charges in Tennessee after the death of his fiancée, 29-year-old Gabriella Perpetuo.
Prosecutors say Lee is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the incident that occurred at their home about 30 miles outside Chattanooga.
The case came to light during a preliminary hearing where prosecutors presented new evidence collected during the investigation.
Prosecutors Say Suspect Used ChatGPT for Advice
During the hearing, District Attorney Coty Wamp told the court that Lee allegedly turned to ChatGPT after realizing something was wrong with his girlfriend.
According to prosecutors, Lee typed several messages asking the AI tool what he should do and how to handle the situation.
Officials claim he was seeking guidance on how to explain injuries and deal with the situation without involving law enforcement.
Prosecutors argued that Lee was essentially using the AI tool like a legal adviser or defense attorney to help cover up the crime.
Messages Reveal Panic and Confusion
Investigators presented several messages Lee allegedly typed into the chatbot.
In one message, he reportedly wrote that his fiancée had injured herself and was not waking up. He claimed she had stabbed herself and had swollen eyes but insisted he had not done anything.
He also asked how to explain the situation to a friend who might encounter someone who was unresponsive but did not want to involve police.
The conversation continued with Lee asking questions about puncture wounds and whether such injuries could be caused by a fall.
At one point, he told the chatbot that there was blood “all over the place.”
911 Call Came Hours Later
Prosecutors told the court that the conversation with the AI tool happened roughly 12 hours before Lee called 911.
When he finally contacted emergency services, Lee reportedly told authorities that Perpetuo had fallen in the shower.
Body camera footage from responding officers showed Lee explaining that he had been asleep and found her unresponsive.
Police Found Signs of a Violent Struggle
However, investigators said the condition of the home raised serious concerns.
Police reported that the house appeared to be in disarray, with broken glass in the kitchen and blood found in multiple areas of the home.
Detectives believe there may have been a physical struggle before Perpetuo died.
An autopsy later revealed that the victim suffered stab wounds along with bruises on her head, eyes, arms, and torso.
Judge Allows Case to Move Forward
After reviewing the evidence presented during the hearing, the judge ruled that there was enough evidence for the case to move forward to a grand jury.
The legal process will now continue as prosecutors seek to formally indict Lee on the charges.
Background of the Accused
Darron Lee previously played as a linebacker for Ohio State University before entering the NFL.
He was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets and later played for other teams during his professional football career.
Now, he faces a serious criminal case that could result in severe penalties if he is convicted.
