Ex-NFL player charged with girlfriend's murder; victim identified

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: While the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office or coroner has not publicly identified the murder victim whom former NFL player Darron Lee is charged with, a family spokesperson has identified the victim as Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo.
 
Perpétuo's stepfather issued the following statement:
 
"On behalf of the family of Gabriella Carvalho Perpétuo, who was brutally murdered by Darron Alexander Lee, we would like to inform that we will be issuing an official statement in the near future.

At this moment of deep pain and mourning, we kindly ask for understanding and respect as our family gathers strength to speak publicly about this tragedy. We sincerely thank all members of the media, authorities, friends, and the community for their cooperation, support, and heartfelt condolences during this extremely difficult time.

We are grateful for the solidarity shown to our family and for the commitment to seeking truth and accountability.

May justice be done, and may no other woman ever have to endure such an atrocity."
In a GoFundMe post, Perpétuo's family said they are preparing for a civil case.
 
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. An affidavit says Lee attempted to clean blood stains from the scene.
 
Lee is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, February 11.

 PREVIOUS STORY:  Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker now charged with killing his girlfriend in Ooltewah, seemingly attempted to clean blood stains in multiple areas of the house, according to an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News.

First responders arrived on the scene of what was called in as a CPR in progress on Thursday, February 5, just after 1:30pm. Lee, 31, told them that he had found her unconscious on the couch, and thought that she had perhaps fallen in the shower, but his statements didn't line up with the "concerning conditions" within the home, the arrest report says.
 
Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office say they found blood spatter on the walls and flooring in multiple locations, as well as broken glass scattered across the kitchen area. They also observed cleaning materials in "abnormal places."

Deputies detained Lee and took him to their operations center for questioning. They say he invoked his rights and did not speak with them.

While collecting his clothing, they suspected he had been in a violent fight, as there were scratches on his face, hands, and chest. They also saw blood inside the protective case of his cellphone. All of his possessions were seized as evidence.

HCSO detectives and the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's office processed the murder scene around 6:30pm that same day. The victim had multiple kinds of trauma to her body, including a one-inch stab wound to the abdomen, a large dark bruise to her head, black eyes with heavy swelling, multiple bruises on her arms and torso, a circular human bite mark on her shoulder, as well as dried blood on her face and neck.

Darron Lee, the victim's boyfriend, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody at the scene, HCSO says.

The medical examiner's office transported her body to the forensic center for an autopsy while detectives collected more evidence across the house. They found alcohol, narcotics, and a gun inside. There were no signs of forced entry.

Detectives used a forensic team to analyze the scene, which found blood stains but no visible blood. The arrest report says these findings indicate an attempt to remove, alter, or conceal evidence related to the crime.

Lee is charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, February 11.

He played college football for Ohio State and was later drafted in the first round of the NFL draft to the New York Jets. Lee also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl Championship in 2020. He also played for the Buffalo Bills, and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Our NBC affiliate in Columbus, Ohio reports that last year, Lee accepted a plea deal in a domestic violence case.