HAMILTON COUNTY — Darron Lee was indicted on a first-degree murder charge by a grand jury in Hamilton County. The indictment concerns the death of Gabriella Perpetuo, which prosecutors allege Lee caused in February.
Hamilton County district attorney Coty Wamp said prosecutors dismissed a tampering with evidence charge. Wamp said a decision on whether to pursue the death penalty will be made in the coming weeks. A first-degree murder conviction carries a potential life sentence.
Prosecutors allege Lee asked an artificial intelligence assistant how to obtain medical assistance without contacting law enforcement. Court evidence indicates Lee also asked whether a fall could cause bruising around both eyes and "two stabby looking wounds." Prosecutors further allege Lee consulted the assistant regarding how to assist an unresponsive person. A medical examiner listed Perpetuo's cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. An autopsy report listed 12 injuries to Perpetuo, including multiple hematomas, bone fractures, and stab wounds.
Darron Lee is being held in the Hamilton County Jail without bond. Court records indicate Lee was on probation in Franklin County, Ohio, and Alachua County, Florida, at the time of his arrest. These probations stemmed from three separate alleged assault charges involving another man, Lee's mother, and the mother of his child.
Lee played college football for Ohio State University. The New York Jets selected Lee with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 draft. The Jets signed Lee to a four-year contract that included $7.9 million in guaranteed compensation. Lee departed from the Jets in 2019. He was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs roster that won the championship in February 2020 but did not participate in that championship game. Lee's final professional football appearance occurred in November 2020 with the Buffalo Bills.