Retired NFL Star Michael Pennel Jr. Accused Of Lying About Relationship With Woman Found D*ad On His Former Property

Michael Pennel Jr

Retired NFL Star Michael Pennel Jr. Accused Of Lying About Relationship With Woman Found Dead On His Former Property

A new ESPN investigation is raising serious questions about NFL veteran Michael Pennel Jr.’s connection to a woman whose r*mains were discovered on property he once owned in the Dominican Republic.

According to ESPN, Pennel previously denied knowing Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche, a 22-year-old woman who disappeared in 2021 and whose r+mains were identified earlier this year after being found buried on land linked to the former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle. However, ESPN reports it uncovered evidence suggesting the two had an ongoing relationship, directly contradicting Pennel’s public denials.

After ESPN published its findings, Pennel reportedly contacted a reporter and again denied having any relationship with Guzmán Roche. “I don’t know this woman,” Pennel said, according to the outlet, maintaining that he was not in the country when she disappeared. An attorney representing Pennel in the Dominican Republic also denied his client’s involvement in the woman’s death and said documents would ultimately clear him.

The case has attracted international attention since Guzmán Roche’s remains were discovered in January 2026 during excavation work on property Pennel previously owned. Dominican authorities are investigating the de•th as a h+micide. Pennel has been identified as a person of interest in the investigation, though no criminal charges have been announced.

Pennel, 34, recently announced his retirement after an 11-year NFL career that included stints with the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears. He won two Super Bowl championships during his time in the league and most recently played for the Chiefs.

As the investigation continues, authorities have not publicly disclosed whether additional individuals are being scrutinized in connection with Guzmán Roche’s death. Meanwhile, the ESPN report is likely to intensify scrutiny surrounding Pennel’s role in a case that remains active and unresolved.