Judge Orders Ex-NFL Linebacker Darron Lee Held Without Bond

Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Tori Smith ordered 31-year-old former NFL linebacker Darron Lee held without bond on Feb. 11, 2026 after he was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with or fabricating evidence, according to court records.

Detective Brian Lockhart testified that first responders on Feb. 5, 2026 found Gabriella Perpétuo dead at a rental home in Ooltewah, Tenn., and an arrest affidavit says Lee told deputies she may have fallen in the shower, a claim investigators found inconsistent with blood at the scene.

Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp argued in court that the case could qualify for capital punishment and urged withholding bond, while deputy public defender Mike Little said it was premature to make statements, court minutes show.

The arrest affidavit and Lockhart said Perpétuo suffered a stab wound to the abdomen, additional stab wounds to her legs, a severe brain injury, a broken neck, black eyes and dried blood throughout the residence, and an autopsy indicated blunt force trauma though the full report has not been released.

Lee is due back for a preliminary hearing on March 9, 2026, and prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty, according to the district attorney's office and court filings.