Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee accused of murder, prosecutors say he used ChatGPT to plan cover-up

Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is back in the spotlight, this time inside a Tennessee courtroom where prosecutors say he is responsible for the death of his girlfriend.

(NBC)- Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee is back in the spotlight, this time inside a Tennessee courtroom where prosecutors say he is responsible for the death of his girlfriend and may have used artificial intelligence to try to cover it up.

Lee, who was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, was arrested last month after sheriff’s deputies discovered 29-year-old Gabriella Perpetuo dead inside the couple’s home.

Prosecutors say evidence presented during a preliminary hearing shows Lee may have used ChatGPT to ask questions about how to handle the situation and what to tell emergency responders.

“He asks how to cover it up, he asks what to say to 911,” said Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty Wamp.

Body camera video shown in court captured Lee telling deputies that he called 911 immediately and did not know what happened.

“I called 911 immediately, I’m like what is going on,” Lee said in the footage.

However, prosecutors presented messages they say were sent from Lee’s phone the day before Perpetuo was found dead. Investigators told the court the messages were part of a conversation with ChatGPT.

During the hearing, the lead detective read messages allegedly sent from Lee’s device, including one that stated:
“She has two swollen eyes (I didn’t do anything. Self inflicted)…”

Prosecutors say Lee also asked questions about what to do if someone becomes unresponsive.

According to investigators, ChatGPT responded with a message saying:
“This is serious, but you can handle it cleanly and protect everyone.”

Another response read in court appeared to address questions about injuries, stating:
“Yes — falls can cause puncture appearing wounds. They usually don’t look like clean knife stabs.”

Legal experts say the case highlights how digital technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly becoming sources of evidence in criminal investigations.

“There’s a whole new frontier,” said NBC News legal analyst Misty Marris. “You have ChatGPT, AI, smart watches, Alexa — all of those devices can now lead investigators in a criminal case.”

Lee’s attorney declined to comment on the allegations.

NBC News also reached out to OpenAI, the company that owns ChatGPT, but did not receive a response.

The case remains under investigation as legal proceedings continue in Tennessee.