NFL Star Mike Pennel Jr. Named Person of Interest in 2021 Death Case
Free-agent defensive lineman Mike Pennel Jr. has been identified as a 'person of interest' in connection with the death of a 22-year-old woman in the Dominican Republic, ESPN reports.
The woman was reported missing in 2021. Her body was later discovered on property owned by Pennel in the Dominican Republic.
Pennel's Legal Team Denies Involvement
Pennel's lawyer stated that Pennel did not know the woman and was not in the country when she disappeared. In a text message to ESPN, Pennel said:
"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."
Pennel sold the property in 2025. A worker discovered the body while digging a trench in January of that year.
Pennel's NFL Career Highlights
Undrafted in 2014, Pennel has played for multiple NFL teams, including:
- Green Bay Packers
- New York Jets
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears
- Cincinnati Bengals
In 2025, he played eight games with the Bengals and eight with the Chiefs. Over his 12-year career, Pennel has made 154 regular-season appearances and 27 starts. He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs.
Timeline of Pennel's 2021 Status
At the time the woman was reported missing in 2021, Pennel was between teams. He had been released by the Bears on August 31, 2021, and signed with the Falcons on September 15, 2021.
Currently, Pennel is classified as a 'person of interest' in the case, not a suspect.
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