Former NFL defensive tackle Mike Pennel has been identified as a “person of interest” in a Dominican Republic homicide investigation, though he has not been charged. The case centers on the disappearance of 22-year-old Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche in September 2021, with her remains later found on Pennel’s property. Authorities have not released a formal cause of death, and ESPN reports the investigation is being treated as homicide.
Pennel denies involvement, stating to ESPN that he is not legally connected to the case and describing the report as fake news. His attorney also says Pennel did not know Guzmán and was not in the Dominican Republic at the time of her disappearance, and that Pennel is cooperating with authorities.
Background details include Pennel’s NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2014, with stints on multiple teams such as the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, and Cincinnati Bengals. He briefly joined the New England Patriots in 2019, lasting through the summer before release. At the time Guzmán disappeared, Pennel was not on an NFL roster; he later signed with the Falcons. The article notes past off-field issues for Pennel, including suspensions for substance abuse and a 2024 civil case involving a dog-breeding business in the Dominican Republic.
Key takeaways:
– Pennel is a named “person of interest” in a Dominican homicide investigation but has not been charged.
– Guzmán Roche’s disappearance date and the discovery of her remains on Pennel’s former property are central to the case; a cause of death has not been released publicly.
– Pennel and his attorney deny involvement and indicate cooperation with Dominican authorities.
– Pennel’s NFL career includes multiple teams and a brief period with the Patriots; he remains a free agent, with prior off-field legal issues noted in the report.
