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Michael Pennel Jr. has been named a person of interest in a Dominican Republic death investigation. The 34-year-old NFL defensive tackle faces stunning allegations regarding remains found on his former property in Sosúa, discovered in January 2026, after nearly five years of mystery.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Body Identified: Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche, 22, missing since September 13, 2021
- Discovery: Remains found on Pennel’s former property in Sosúa while a worker dug a trench in January 2026
- Investigation Status: Case officially classified as homicide, Pennel cooperating with authorities
- Pennel’s Response: Denies involvement, claims he was not in country when victim disappeared
Body Found on Property After Nearly Five Years
The remains of Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche were uncovered in January 2026 during construction work on a property Pennel owned at the time of her disappearance. The 22-year-old had been missing since September 5, 2021, when she failed to contact family. She was officially declared missing on September 13, 2021, weeks after relocating to Sosúa, a tourist destination in northern Puerto Plata province. Two Dominican sources confirmed to ESPN that Pennel is considered a person of interest. Guzmán’s body was identified through DNA testing against her 8-year-old son’s sample.
NFL Veteran’s Career and Legal Troubles
Michael Maurice Pennel Jr., born May 9, 1991, is a defensive tackle who played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound lineman was a Super Bowl LVIII champion with the Chiefs and played 16 games last season. However, Pennel has faced multiple controversies. He was suspended three times for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, in 2016 and 2020. Additionally, he was sued by Dwayne Haskins’ widow in 2024 for allegedly defrauding her of $275,000 in a Dominican dog breeding business.
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Timeline and Investigation Details
| Date | Event |
| August 31, 2021 | Pennel released by Chicago Bears |
| September 5, 2021 | Carli Guzmán last seen, not heard from |
| September 13, 2021 | Officially declared missing, search launched |
| September 15, 2021 | Pennel signs with Atlanta Falcons |
| January 2026 | Human remains discovered during trench digging |
| April 2026 | DNA confirms identity, homicide classification confirmed |
“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., in text to ESPN
Pennel’s Defense and Cooperation Claims
Pennel’s Dominican attorney, Alexander Valbuena, told ESPN that Pennel has offered his “full cooperation” with authorities. Pennel claims he was not in the Dominican Republic when Guzmán disappeared and denies knowing the victim. He sold his property the previous year before the discovery. Pennel told ESPN Saturday morning that Dominican authorities have not yet contacted him. According to Valbuena, Pennel’s primary concern has been understanding the situation since learning about it.
What Happens Next in This Developing Case?
The Dominican attorney general’s office stated the investigation is in an early stage with foreigners being interviewed. The office did not disclose the cause of death. Guzmán’s grandmother, Paula González, told ESPN authorities never revealed the property owner or suspects to her. She described her granddaughter as beautiful, loving, and well-liked with many friends. Investigators have not confirmed whether other persons of interest exist. The free agent status of Pennel and his previous legal entanglements suggest this case may receive significant media attention as authorities continue their probe.
Sources
- ESPN – Exclusive reporting on Michael Pennel Jr. as person of interest with Dominican sources
- New York Post – Details on Pennel’s NFL career and investigation developments
- DR1.com – Local Dominican reporting on homicide investigation confirmation
