Michael Pennel investigation updates: NFL journeyman 'person of interest' in possible murder case

Longtime NFL defender Michael Pennel Jr. is reportedly considered a person of interest after the body of a woman declared missing in 2021 as found on property owned by Pennel at the time of her disappearance.

The body was found in a trench in Sosua, a northern coastal town located in the province of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Pennel, an 11-year veteran who captured two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs, denied accusations that he was involved in the woman's death. An investigation into the circumstances of the woman's death are still ongoing, according to ESPN.

With that, here's what we know thus far about Dominican authorities' investigation into the death of a woman whose body was a located on a property Penne's once owned.

Michael Pennel investigation updates

Saturday, April 25

Pennel owned the property at the time of the woman's disappearance, sources told ESPN. He reportedly sold the property last year. An investigation is still ongoing.

The woman, Carli Franchesca Guzman Roche, was declared missing on Sept. 13, 2021, a little more than a week after she was last heard of. She was 22 years old at the time of her disappearance, with Dominican authorities searching across the province of Puerto Plata for signs of her.

In Jan. 2026, a worker found Guzman's body while digging in a trench. DNA samples confirmed that the body was Guzman's. She leaves behind a son, who is now eight.

An official cause of death hasn't been released, although authorities are treating the case as a homicide.

Pennel denied suggestions that he was involved in Guzman's death. In a statement to ESPN, Pennel affirmed his innocence.

"This isn't a story. I'm not legally involved. This is fake news being reported," Pennel said via text. "I'd advise you to speak with my agent/lawyer ... before writing a false story. Damaging my reputation."

Pennel also told ESPN that Dominican authorities haven't yet contacted him. His lawyer, Alexander Valbuena, said Pennel will offer "full cooperation to the Dominican authorities", according to ESPN.

The attorney general's office said "foreigners" were being interviewed as part of the investigation. The case was reopened shortly after Guzman's body as discovered.

"It is also important to clarify that we are already in communication with the authorities to clarify the situation, as Mr. [Pennel's] primary concern and interest has been to get to the bottom of this since he learned of it," Valbuena said.

Guzman's grandmother, Paula Gonzalez, told ESPN that police never revealed who owned the property where Guzman's remains were found. She was unsure why her granddaughter might have been at the property.

"She was pretty, a student, very loving," González told ESPN. "Everyone loved her. She had lots of friends."

Has Michael Pennel been arrested?

Pennel has not been arrested nor has he been charged. Dominican officials are still in the early stages of their investigation, with the attorney's office telling ESPN that "foreigners" were among the people being interviewed as part of the inquiry. Sources were unable to confirm if there were other persons of interest involved in Pennel's case, per ESPN.

Two sources close to the investigation, speaking to ESPN on the condition of anonymity, said Pennel was considered a "person of interest."

Pennel has faced a handful of legal and administrative challenges in the past. He was thrice suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy. In 2024, Pennel was sued by the widow of former NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who alleged that Pennel scammed her out of $275,000 in a dog breeding business he ran in the Dominican Republic.

Singer and social media influencer Jhonni Blaze recently accused Pennel of physically abusing her. Pennel denied the allegation, accusing Blaze of trying to extort money from him. Neither has taken their accusations to the police.

Is Michael Pennel still in the NFL?

Pennel most recently played in the NFL in 2025, suiting up for the Bengals and Chiefs' active rosters. He failed to make an appearance for either side.

Pennel most recently appeared in action for Kansas City in 2024, starting seven games in Andy Reid's defense. He recorded a career-high three sacks in 2024.

Which teams did Michael Pennel play for?

All told, Pennel made regular-season appearances for five teams during his NFL career: the Packers, Jets, Chiefs (three different times), Falcons and Bears.

Pennel also featured on the Patriots and Bears' practice squads.