Former Jets player charged with killing woman from Framingham

A woman from Framingham was allegedly killed by a former NFL player in Tennessee last week. 

The suspect, 31-year-old Darron Lee, was arrested on Feb. 5 for allegedly killing his girlfriend, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was 29-year-old Gabriella Perpetuo, the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Monday. 

Authorities responded to a residence in the 7500 block of Snow Cone Way in Ooltewah, Tennessee, last Thursday afternoon. They were called for a report of “CPR in progress.” Once they arrived, first responders found Perpetuo and attempted life-saving measures. She was pronounced dead, and preliminary findings indicate that she was the victim of a homicide, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Lee, identified by the sheriff’s office as her boyfriend, was detained at the scene. He faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Authorities said that there could be additional charges filed depending on the results of the ongoing investigation. 

Sheriff’s deputies found blood splatter on walls and floors throughout the home, broken glass in a kitchen area, and cleaning materials in “abnormal places,” according to an arrest report obtained by Local 3 News in Chattanooga. 

Lee told the deputies that he found Perpetuo unconscious on the couch and that she may have fallen in the shower. He had scratches on his face, hands, and chest. Authorities also found blood on his cellphone case, per Local 3. Perpetuo had multiple signs of trauma and a one-inch stab wound to her abdomen. 

Lee is being held in Hamilton County Jail and is set to appear in court on Wednesday, according to jail records. 

Spokespeople for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office did not return a request for information Monday. 

Perpetuo was a “victim to domestic violence and abuse,” a family member wrote in a caption for a GoFundMe set up to support Perpetuo’s family. Her parents traveled to Tennessee and are attempting to bring her back to Florida for a funeral. The page has raised more than $53,000, which Perpetuo’s family says will go toward travel and funeral expenses, as well as the cost of attorney fees for a potential civil case. 

“She was loved by so many and loved those around her with her whole heart,” Perpetuo’s cousin wrote alongside the GoFundMe. 

A social media post about her death was flooded with comments this week remembering Perpetuo as warmhearted and kind. 

“One of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend,” one user wrote. 

Lee was a star linebacker at Ohio State University. He was drafted by the New York Jets in 2016 and spent three seasons with the team. After Lee was released in 2019, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs and played for one season. Lee then played two games for the Buffalo Bills in 2020. 

Lee was arrested in Ohio on domestic violence charges in 2023, according to court records. He accepted a plea offer two years later, according to local news station NBC 4. 

Want to leave a comment?

Create an Account Or sign in to your account

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

To comment, please verify your email address

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com