BROKE HER NECK! Former Jets Player Darron Lee SUED for $50 MILLION in HEINOUS Murder of GF!

Former NFL Linebacker Darron Lee Sued for $50 Million as He Faces First-Degree Murder Charge in Girlfriend’s Death

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit filed by the family of his late girlfriend as he remains jailed without bond on a first-degree murder charge in Hamilton County, Tennessee.

The lawsuit, filed this week on behalf of Gabriella Perpettorio’s family, seeks compensatory and punitive damages, alleging that Lee caused “pre-death pain and suffering” and should be held financially responsible for funeral expenses and other damages. The filing comes just days after Lee was arrested in connection with Perpettorio’s death at a rented home in the Chattanooga suburb of Ooltewah.

Lee, 31, has not publicly commented on the allegations. Court records show he is being held without bond following a hearing before Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Torry Smith. In addition to the murder charge, Lee faces a charge of tampering with or fabricating evidence.

Emergency Call and Arrest

According to an arrest affidavit, first responders were dispatched to the couple’s residence on Feb. 5 after receiving a call reporting CPR in progress. When deputies arrived, they found Perpettorio unresponsive and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Investigators say Lee told deputies that his girlfriend may have fallen in the shower. However, authorities reported that the scene contained extensive amounts of blood in multiple areas of the home, evidence they described as inconsistent with Lee’s account.

A search warrant executed at the property allegedly revealed multiple traumatic injuries to Perpettorio’s body. According to testimony presented in court by a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office detective, those injuries included a stab wound to the abdomen, additional stab wounds to the legs, severe head trauma, swelling around both eyes, a possible human bite mark on her shoulder, and signs consistent with a broken neck.

Detectives also testified that some of the stab wounds were found beneath clothing that showed no visible cuts, suggesting the clothing may have been put on after the injuries were inflicted. Authorities further stated that they identified areas in the home where blood appeared to have been cleaned using chemical agents, though forensic testing confirmed the presence of bloodstains.

Investigators reported that Lee had visible injuries at the time of his arrest, including lacerations on his hands, wounds on his chest and a facial injury. Blood was allegedly found inside the case of his cell phone. Law enforcement also recovered alcohol, narcotics and a firearm from the residence, according to the affidavit.

Civil Suit Filed by Family

The civil lawsuit filed by Perpettorio’s family seeks no less than $50 million in damages. The complaint alleges wrongful death and asserts that Lee’s actions resulted in significant pain and suffering prior to Perpettorio’s death.

Civil cases operate independently from criminal proceedings. While a criminal conviction could influence the outcome of the civil case, the lawsuit does not require a criminal conviction to proceed. The burden of proof in civil court—“preponderance of the evidence”—is lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required in criminal trials.

Legal experts say large civil claims are not uncommon in cases involving alleged violent death, particularly when punitive damages are sought.

“Punitive damages are designed not just to compensate the family, but to punish particularly egregious conduct,” said one Tennessee-based civil attorney not connected to the case. “Whether that amount is ultimately awarded is another matter.”

Public records indicate that Lee earned approximately $10 million during his professional football career. Whether he has the financial resources to satisfy a potential civil judgment remains unclear.

Football Career and Prior Legal Issues

Lee was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New York Jets after a standout collegiate career at Ohio State University. As a Buckeye, he was named Defensive MVP of the 2015 Sugar Bowl and played a key role on a national championship team.

Over four NFL seasons, Lee appeared in 58 games for the Jets and later spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. He was part of the Chiefs organization during their Super Bowl LIV-winning season, though his on-field contributions were limited compared to his early expectations as a first-round draft pick.

Court testimony this week revealed that Lee was on probation at the time of his arrest. Records indicate he was serving probation in Florida for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in one county and battery in another, as well as probation in Ohio for attempted battery.

Those prior cases have drawn renewed scrutiny in light of the current charges.

Next Steps in the Case

Lee is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on March 9. Prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence as the case moves forward.

If convicted of first-degree murder in Tennessee, Lee could face life imprisonment. The tampering with evidence charge carries additional potential penalties.

Legal analysts caution that while the allegations are severe, Lee remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

“This is still at the charging stage,” said a former federal prosecutor. “The affidavit outlines what investigators believe happened, but the defense will have the opportunity to challenge every piece of evidence.”

Broader Context

The case has reignited conversation around domestic violence and violent crime involving professional athletes. The NFL has faced criticism in past years over how it addresses off-field conduct, though league officials have not commented publicly on Lee’s arrest.

Advocates for victims of domestic violence emphasize that high-profile cases can help bring attention to warning signs and available resources.

“Behind every headline is a real person whose life was lost,” said a representative from a Tennessee victims’ advocacy group. “The focus should remain on justice and accountability.”

As the criminal investigation continues, the civil lawsuit adds another layer of legal complexity to an already serious case. For Perpettorio’s family, the filing represents an effort to seek accountability beyond the criminal justice system.

For Lee, the coming months will determine not only his legal fate but also how a once-promising professional football career came to intersect with allegations of one of the most serious crimes in the justice system.

The case remains under investigation.