Two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Pennel is now identified as a person of interest in an international homicide investigation after human remains were discovered on property he previously owned in the Dominican Republic. The investigation centers on the death of 22-year-old Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche, who vanished in September 2021 after relocating to the tourist destination of Sosúa.
While the case is currently in its early stages, authorities have officially classified the death as a homicide, marking a dark turn for a property that was once under the control of the veteran NFL defensive lineman. The discovery of the remains occurred in January 2026, when a worker digging a trench on the land stumbled upon the site. Forensic investigators were able to confirm the identity of the victim through DNA testing, utilizing a sample provided by her now 8-year-old son.
According to Complex, Guzmán Roche was a student, and her grandmother, Paula González, remembered her fondly, stating, “She was pretty, a student, very loving. Everyone loved her.” Despite an initial province-wide search in Puerto Plata following her disappearance, her family reports that they were never made aware of the ownership history of the property where she was ultimately found.
Pennel calling a homicide investigation ‘fake news’ is a bold choice
Pennel, has pushed back hard against the reports linking him to the situation. In a message regarding the investigation, he said, “This isn’t a story. I’m not legally involved. This is fake news being reported.” He further emphasized his position by noting that he was not even in the Dominican Republic when Guzmán Roche disappeared.
His attorney, Alexander Valbuena, has stated that Pennel is offering full cooperation with the relevant authorities as he attempts to clarify the situation. This scrutiny of a former player’s conduct follows the shocking case of a former NFL linebacker accused of using AI to help cover up a murder. Pennel has also maintained that he has not been contacted directly by investigators regarding the matter.
The situation is undoubtedly complex, as Dominican officials are currently interviewing multiple individuals described only as foreigners. Because Pennel sold the property last year, the timeline of his ownership overlaps directly with the disappearance of the victim, which has naturally drawn significant attention to his history. It is worth noting that while he has been a fixture in the NFL for over a decade, his career has not been without its own share of turbulence.
Pennel entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Green Bay Packers. He quickly found his footing, appearing in 13 games during his rookie season. His tenure in Green Bay saw a mix of performance and disciplinary hurdles. By 2015, he played in all 16 games, but he faced serious setbacks in 2016 when he was suspended twice for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
He was eventually released by the Packers. His journey through the NFL was extensive, including stints with the New York Jets and the New England Patriots. He found significant success during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was part of the squad that secured a victory in Super Bowl LIV. His career path also took him to the Chicago Bears, where he was ejected for a blind-sided block that resulted in a concussion for center David Andrews, and the Atlanta Falcons.
Most recently, Pennel’s 2025 season saw him spend time with both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs. He joined the Bengals’ practice squad and was elevated to the active roster shortly after. By late October, he requested and was granted his release from Cincinnati, moving back to the Kansas City Chiefs. He is currently a free agent, and this ongoing investigation is now casting a long shadow over his professional life.
Beyond the current homicide probe, Pennel has faced other scrutiny. This includes a 2024 civil lawsuit related to a business dispute in the Dominican Republic and past sexual harassment allegations brought forward by a social media influencer, which he has denied. While none of these prior issues are directly linked to the death of Guzmán Roche, the current investigation into the remains found on his former property remains a serious development that authorities are actively pursuing.
The investigation continues as officials work to piece together the events surrounding the tragic death.
Published: Apr 27, 2026 06:15 pm