Story perspectives

Michael Pennell Jr. Named Person of Interest in Murder

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Michael Pennell Jr. was named a person of interest after Carli Guzmán Roche’s body was found at his Puerto Plata in January 2026.
Police visited Pennell’s property in September 2021, smelled decay, but did not interview him.
Officials identified the body in March 2026 and called it a homicide.
Attorney Valbuena said Pennell did not know Guzmán and was abroad when she vanished.
Guzmán’s grandmother identified Pennell as the football player granddaughter mentioned.

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Story summary

Michael Pennell Jr. was named a person of interest after Carli Guzmán Roche’s body was found at his Puerto Plata in January 2026.
Police visited Pennell’s property in September 2021, smelled decay, but did not interview him.
Officials identified the body in March 2026 and called it a homicide.
Attorney Valbuena said Pennell did not know Guzmán and was abroad when she vanished.
Guzmán’s grandmother identified Pennell as the football player granddaughter mentioned.