Investigators later arrested her boyfriend, former NFL linebacker Darron Lee, who has been identified by authorities as the prime suspect.

Lee has been charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering and remains jailed without bail.

Officials have not publicly released the specific cause of death, citing an ongoing investigation, but say the evidence collected supports the charges filed.Lee, once a prominent professional athlete, played several seasons in the National Football League.

The case has drawn national attention, in part because of his public profile, but also because it highlights a broader and persistent issue.

Domestic violence advocates caution against focusing solely on notoriety. “High-profile cases often remind us that abuse cuts across all backgrounds—economic, cultural, and professional,” said a Tennessee-based victim advocacy counselor familiar with similar cases.

Friends and family describe Perpetuo as warm, trusting, and deeply loved. Sarah Abram, a close family friend, wrote in a widely shared message that Gabriella was “more like a sister” to her daughter and someone who often sought guidance.

“I warned her about the signs of abuse,” Abram wrote, adding that the loss has been devastating.

In the aftermath, Perpetuo’s cousin, Lyla, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover travel and funeral expenses, as well as legal fees tied to a planned civil case. ‘

Gabriella’s parents, Monique and Nilson, traveled to Tennessee as they work to bring their daughter home to Florida and ultimately to Brazil so loved ones can say their final goodbyes.

“This is a burden no family should carry while grieving,” Lyla wrote, thanking donors for easing that weight.

Experts say many victims confide in trusted friends or relatives before tragedy strikes, underscoring the importance of early intervention and accessible support systems.