Chilling details emerge as Gabriella Perpetuo is identified in Tennessee death

Authorities in Tennessee have released harrowing details following the death of Gabriella Perpetuo, the girlfriend of former NFL linebacker Darron Lee.

On 5 February, police responded to a home in Ooltewah regarding a report of CPR being performed.

Instead, they discovered a scene of "brutal injuries" and extreme violence. Lee, who previously played for the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, was arrested on the spot.

Investigators identified Perpetuo as the victim on Tuesday, revealing the sheer scale of the assault. Detective Brian Lockhart told local media that she suffered a broken neck, a "severe brain injury", a bite mark on her thigh, and multiple stab wounds.

The home itself was in disarray, with alcohol bottles scattered and blood found in "every room but one," including bloodied drag marks across the floor.

Despite Lee's alleged claim during his arraignment that Perpetuo may have fallen in the shower, the physical evidence tells a much darker story.

Authorities further allege that Lee attempted to tamper with the scene, as cleaning supplies were found throughout the house.

At the time of the incident, Lee was already on probation in two other states. He now faces charges of first-degree murder and evidence tampering, with a court date set for 9 March.

Perpetuo's family has launched a GoFundMe to assist her parents with the heartbreaking task of travelling from Florida to retrieve her body and cover legal fees. This devastating case serves as a grim reminder of the reality of domestic violence.