Former District Attorney Neil Pinkston enters no plea for Ex-NFL player Darron Lee

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office \ Darron Lee

Darron Lee made a brief appearance virtually on July 8 in Hamilton County Criminal Court.

He is charged with first degree murder in the death of Gabriella Perpetuo at their home in Ooltewah in February of 2026.

At his preliminary hearing, investigators say Perpetuo had 12 different blunt force trauma injuries, and that Lee had consulted Chat GPT about how to clean up a crime scene.

On July 8, 2026, Former Hamilton County District Attorney Neil Pinkston confirmed he has agreed to be his defense attorney.

Current District Attorney Coty Wamp is leading the prosecution in this case.

Pinkston entered no plea, which is treated like a not guilty plea.

Lee remains in custody at the Hamilton County Jail on no bond.