Darron Lee Domestic Violence History Resurfaces Amid Murder Charges

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, once a key player for the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, is now at the center of a high-profile criminal case following the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Carvalho Perpdtuo. The 29-year-old athlete faces first-degree murder charges after Perpdtuo was found dead in early February 2024. As the investigation unfolds, a prior domestic violence allegation from 2023 has come back into public focus, revealing a troubling pattern of violent behavior.

2023 Domestic Violence Allegation Detailed

According to reports by NBC 4, on April 3, 2023, Lee allegedly became physically violent with an unnamed woman during an incident late at night. The victim reportedly asked Lee to leave her bedroom the following morning, which escalated into a physical altercation. Police reports state that Lee “threw her against the wall and to the ground,” then punched her multiple times and pulled her hair while she was on the floor.

Two other women present in the home intervened and helped the victim, who later filed a formal complaint with law enforcement. A warrant for Lee’s arrest was issued in June 2023 after he failed to appear in court, but the current status of that domestic violence case remains unclear.

History of Abuse Allegations

This was not the first time Lee faced domestic violence accusations. In 2022, another woman filed a complaint alleging that Lee had “picked her up by the neck and threw her to the ground” during a conflict. While no public resolution of that case has been reported, the recurrence of such allegations paints a disturbing picture of his conduct off the field.

Death of Gabriella Carvalho Perpdtuo

On February 5, 2024, authorities responded to a call and discovered the body of Gabriella Carvalho Perpdtuo. Lee initially claimed she had tripped and fallen in the bathroom, but a subsequent autopsy revealed severe injuries inconsistent with an accidental fall. These included bite marks on her thigh, stab wounds to her abdomen, and critical head trauma.

Based on the evidence, prosecutors charged Lee with first-degree murder. He has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on March 9, where the court will determine if there is sufficient cause to move forward with a trial.

From Super Bowl Champion to Murder Suspect

Darron Lee was once a promising talent in the NFL. He played college football at Ohio State before being drafted by the Jets in 2016. He later joined the Kansas City Chiefs and was part of the team that won Super Bowl LIV in 2019. However, his career declined amid performance issues and off-field concerns, leading to his exit from the league in 2020.

Now, as the legal proceedings progress, the football world watches in shock as a former champion confronts one of the most serious criminal charges an individual can face.

Public and Legal Response

The case has sparked widespread condemnation, reigniting conversations about domestic violence and accountability among professional athletes. Advocacy groups are urging swift justice and calling for greater scrutiny of athletes with histories of abusive behavior.

“No amount of fame or success should shield anyone from accountability, especially in cases involving violence against women,” said a spokesperson for a domestic abuse support organization.

As the preliminary hearing approaches, the focus remains on whether the justice system will fully address both the murder charge and the unresolved domestic violence allegations in Darron Lee's past.