Darron Lee hires a lawyer to handle first-degree murder charges

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, a first-round pick in the 2016 draft, has hired a lawyer to represent Lee on first-degree murder charges in Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Via WDEF, former Hamilton County District Attorney Neil Pinkston will be handling the case. He has entered no plea on Lee’s behalf, which is the same as entering a plea of not guilty.

Lee is accused of killing his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo, in February 2026. The details of Perpetuo’s injuries are extensive and graphic.

The case against Lee includes evidence that he used ChatGPT for advice on how to deal with an unresponsive person.

Lee could face the death penalty. The prosecution has not yet announced whether it will be seeking it.

Lee was drafted by the Jets ten years ago. He also played for the Chiefs and Bills.