Prosecutors have made startling allegations in the murder trial of former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, claiming he used the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT to seek advice on handling an "unresponsive person" after allegedly killing his girlfriend. Lee, aged 31, appeared in court on Monday for a preliminary hearing, facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of Gabriella Perpetuo.
Shocking Testimony Reveals AI Consultation
According to testimony reported by Local 3 News, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting Lee sent messages from his phone to ChatGPT, asking how to deal with someone who is unresponsive. Additionally, prosecutors allege he inquired about injuries consistent with a fall in the shower. This testimony forms part of the case against Lee, who could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
Contradictory Statements and Gruesome Crime Scene
Bodycam footage from responding officers captured Lee telling police that Perpetuo "may have slipped and fallen in the shower," while claiming he "didn't know what had happened to her." However, the crime scene told a different story. Authorities discovered Perpetuo, aged 29, with multiple stab wounds, black eyes, bite marks, and blood emanating from her nose and mouth.
Detective Brian Lockhart of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office described the Tennessee home as being "in disarray," with blood present in nearly every room. "There was blood going up the staircase, on the hand railing there was blood, on the walls there was blood, on the floor in the living room there was blood," Lockhart testified. The scene also featured a shattered microwave, scattered glass, alcohol bottles, and cleaning supplies including bleach wipes.
Severe Injuries and Legal Consequences
An autopsy revealed Perpetuo suffered severe brain trauma, a broken neck, extensive bruising, and a large bite mark on her shoulder and thigh, with stab wounds to her legs. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma. In addition to the criminal prosecution, Lee is confronting a $50 million wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Perpetuo's family.
Football Career and Prior Legal Issues
Darron Lee's football career included winning the national championship with Ohio State in 2014 before being drafted by the New York Jets as the 20th overall pick in 2016. He later played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 241 tackles and four sacks during his NFL tenure. Lee has previous legal troubles, having pleaded guilty to assault and domestic violence charges in Ohio in 2023 after being accused of violently attacking a woman.
The case continues to unfold as prosecutors pursue severe penalties, highlighting the intersection of technology, violence, and professional sports in this tragic incident.
