NFL defensive lineman Michael Pennel Jr. is a person of interest in a Dominican Republic homicide investigation after the remains of Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche were discovered on property he owned in 2021. Authorities identified the body through DNA testing following its discovery in a trench in Sosúa this January.
Discovery of Guzmán Roche’s Remains in Sosúa
The remains of 22-year-old Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche were found in January 2026 by a worker digging a trench in a gated community in Sosúa, a northern coastal town in the Puerto Plata province. According to sportingnews.com, authorities are treating the case as a homicide, though an official cause of death has not been released.
Identification of the remains was achieved through DNA testing that compared samples to those of Guzmán Roche’s now-8-year-old son. The case, which involves a woman missing since 2021, was officially reopened by the national attorney general’s office following the discovery.
Guzmán Roche’s grandmother, Paula González, described the victim as a student and a loving young woman.
“She was pretty, a student, very loving. Everyone loved her. She had lots of friends.”
González, via ESPN
While the location of the remains is confirmed, González told reporters she was unsure why her granddaughter would have been at that specific property and noted that police had not revealed the property’s owner to her.
Sosúa is a prominent coastal area in the Puerto Plata province, known for its international community and tourism. In investigations involving foreign nationals, the Dominican Republic’s national attorney general’s office typically oversees the inquiry to ensure legal protocols are followed, especially when the case involves individuals residing outside the country.
Michael Pennel’s Denial and Legal Defense
According to blacksportsonline.com, Pennel is a person of interest in the investigation, though he has denied any involvement in the death. The 34-year-old defensive lineman, who most recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, maintains his innocence.
In a text message response to reporters, Pennel dismissed the allegations as false.
“This isn’t a story. I’m not legally involved. This is fake news being reported. I’d advise you to speak with my agent/lawyer … before writing a false story. Damaging my reputation.”
Michael Pennel Jr., via ESPN
Pennel’s attorney, Alexander Valbuena, stated that the player has not been contacted by Dominican authorities but emphasized that Pennel intends to offer
Valbuena, via ESPN
Valbuena further clarified that Pennel was not in the Dominican Republic at the time of the disappearance and that his legal team is already in communication with officials to resolve the matter.
In criminal law, being named a “person of interest” is an investigative designation rather than a formal legal charge. This indicates that an individual may have information relevant to a case, but it does not constitute an arrest, indictment, or a formal accusation of a crime. Law enforcement uses this term to keep individuals connected to a case within the scope of their inquiry.
Timeline of the 2021 Disappearance and Property Ownership
The link between Pennel and the investigation centers on a property he owned in Sosúa during the period Guzmán Roche vanished. While the investigation is in its early stages, the following timeline outlines the period of her disappearance and Pennel’s professional movements:
- August 31, 2021: Pennel was released by the Chicago Bears.
- September 5, 2021: Guzmán Roche was last heard from.
- September 13, 2021: Guzmán Roche was officially declared missing.
- September 15, 2021: Pennel signed with the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad.
- 2025: Pennel sold the Sosúa property.
- January 2026: The remains were discovered in a trench.
The attorney general’s office has confirmed that “foreigners” were among those interviewed as part of the inquiry. As moresport.tv reported via ESPN, investigators have not publicly named any other persons of interest beyond the current focus.
Pennel’s professional history includes various roles within several NFL franchises. Following his time with the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons, he contributed to the championship-winning rosters in Kansas City. His veteran experience has seen him move through different defensive schemes, including his most recent tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as a depth piece on the defensive line.
Pennel’s History of League and Legal Sanctions
The investigation into the homicide comes as Pennel navigates other professional and legal scrutiny. An 11-year NFL veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion, Pennel has previously faced disciplinary action within the league, including three suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
The NFL Personal Conduct Policy allows the league to investigate and discipline players for conduct deemed detrimental to the league. While the league typically monitors the outcome of legal proceedings, ongoing investigations into serious criminal matters can influence a player’s standing with teams, their reputation within the league, and their ability to secure future contracts.
Additionally, Pennel was involved in a 2024 legal matter involving the estate of a former player. He was sued by the widow of former NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who alleged that Pennel scammed her out of $275,000.
The litigation involving the Dwayne Haskins estate is a civil matter. Civil cases focus on liability and financial compensation between parties, which is a separate legal process from the criminal investigations conducted by state authorities. In civil court, the burden of proof and the potential penalties differ significantly from those in a criminal homicide investigation.
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