Former Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee is facing a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit in Tennessee.
Lee is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend Gabriella Perpetuo. The suit was filed in Hamilton County, Tennessee by Perpetuo's family.
Lee was arrested after first responders went to a home in a Chattanooga suburb on Feb. 5.
The lawsuit, filed on Feb. 12, said the Hamilton County medical examiner determined Perpetuo's death was caused by blunt force trauma.
The suit said Perpetuo suffered blunt force trauma to the head, plus neck and spine fractures, stab wounds and human bite marks.
The suit also said the wounds were consistent with a violent physical struggle and intentional assault.
It said Perpetuo experienced physical pain, suffering and extreme mental anguish prior to her death.
Lee is being held without bond in the Hamilton County, Tennessee Jail.
He was previously arrested in Franklin County on charges of assault and domestic violence in 2023. Lee pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor attempted assault charge in that case in 2025.
Lee, 31, played for Ohio State from 2013-2015. He was a first-round draft choice of the New York Jets in 2016. He also was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders.