Ex-NFL linebacker charged with killing girlfriend asked ChatGPT for advice before calling 911, court documents say
Ex-NFL Linebacker Faces Murder Charges After ChatGPT Interaction
In a case that has sparked public interest, Darron Lee, a 31-year-old former NFL linebacker, is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo, 29, according to newly disclosed court records from a Tennessee hearing. Lee reportedly sought guidance from ChatGPT just days before the incident, sharing his concerns about Perpetuo’s condition with the AI chatbot, as revealed in messages presented during the proceedings.
ChatGPT Messages and Timeline
The messages, timestamped February 4, show Lee describing Perpetuo’s state as “swollen eyes” and questioning whether she had “stabbed herself” or “slit her eye.” He expressed uncertainty, asking, “Idk but she isn’t waking up or responding, what do I do?” These exchanges were part of a broader effort to determine his next steps, including how to inform a friend about the situation.
“what should I tell my friend to handle someone non responsive but wants to call the police,” Lee wrote, referring to the chatbot as “Allie.”
The chatbot’s responses, as cited by NBC affiliate WRCB, suggested a calm approach, advising Lee to “protect everyone” and provide clear explanations. However, the bot’s tone shifted slightly in another message, noting that “both eyes swollen” could still be from a fall, though it “crosses into *get checked* territory.”
Authorities’ Findings and Legal Proceedings
Perpetuo’s body was discovered Feb. 5 with a broken neck, severe brain trauma, stab wounds, and a thigh bite mark, according to WRCB. The judge overseeing the case called her death “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel,” alleging it involved torture or physical abuse beyond what was needed to cause her death. Lee, a former first-round draft pick in 2016, was arrested without bond and charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering.
Lee’s Background and Family Statement
Lee’s career included stints with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills, concluding in 2020. His legal team, represented by Mike Little, has yet to comment publicly on the allegations. Perpetuo’s family, speaking to WRCB, described her as a “people’s person” pursuing a nursing degree and eager to care for infants. “We love you,” her mother said, emphasizing the family’s emotional support for the victim.
Body Camera Evidence
A Feb. 5 body camera video, played in court, captured Lee explaining to an officer that he found Perpetuo unconscious on the couch and “immediately called 911 because I’m like, what the hell happened.” He claimed to have been asleep for an extended period, adding context to his actions. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, did not provide a statement in response to the case.
Lee’s actions, combined with the chatbot’s advice, have become central to the trial, highlighting the intersection of technology and criminal behavior. The court continues to evaluate the circumstances surrounding Perpetuo’s death, with prosecutors presenting the ChatGPT exchanges as part of their case against the former athlete.
