Full Breakdown
NFL Defensive Tackle Mike Pennel Named Person of Interest in Dominican Republic Homicide Investigation
4/26/2026, 1:07:10 AM
Pennel Named Person of Interest in 2021 Missing-Woman Homicide
Longtime NFL defensive lineman Mike Pennel has been identified by Dominican authorities as a person of interest in the homicide of Carli Franchesca Guzman Roche. Guzman, 22, was reported missing on September 13 2021 after failing to make contact eight days earlier. Her remains were uncovered in January 2026 on a gated-community property in Sosúa that Pennel owned until its sale in 2025, and DNA testing of a sample from her son confirmed her identity.
Background: Pennel’s Career and Prior Legal Issues
Pennel, 34, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014 after playing at Scottsdale Community College, Arizona State and CSU Pueblo. Over a 12-year career he has played for five teams, including two Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been suspended three times for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, two suspensions occurring in 2016. In 2024 he was sued by the widow of former quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who alleged a $275,000 fraud tied to a dog-breeding business Pennel operated in the Dominican Republic. He is currently a free agent.
Timeline of Key Events
- Sep 13 2021 – Carli Franchesca Guzman Roche reported missing.
- Jan 2026 – Remains found on Pennel’s former Sosúa property.
- 2025 – Pennel sold the Sosúa home.
- 2024 – Haskins’ widow filed $275,000 fraud lawsuit.
- Apr 25 2026 – ESPN reports Pennel named person of interest; attorney Alexander Valbuena confirms cooperation.
Official Statements & Responses
Pennel replied by text that he was not legally involved and called the coverage “fake news.” His Dominican attorney, Alexander Valbuena, said Pennel was not in the country when Guzman disappeared and that he has offered full cooperation to authorities.
Criticism & Opposition
Pennel’s prior substance-abuse suspensions and the 2024 fraud lawsuit have drawn public scrutiny, prompting questions about his conduct outside football.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The person-of-interest designation relies on anonymous Dominican sources; no official police statement has been released, and ESPN did not confirm whether other suspects exist.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This isn’t a story. I’m not legally involved,” — Mike Pennel, NFL defensive tackle
- “This is fake news being reported.” — Mike Pennel
- “This is fake news being reported. I’d advise you to speak with my agent/lawyer … before writing a false story. Damaging my reputation.” — Mike Pennel
- “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,” — Alexander Valbuena, attorney
Why It Matters
Being named a person of interest could affect Pennel’s chances of signing with an NFL team, trigger league disciplinary review, and shape public perception of athlete conduct abroad.
What’s Next
Dominican investigators will continue examining the circumstances of Guzman’s death, and authorities have not announced any charges while monitoring Pennel’s cooperation.
