When Hamilton County forensic investigators examined Gabriella Perpetuo five hours after her partner called 911, most of her body — except for her hands and feet — was already stiffened in rigor mortis, according to a medical examiner’s report released Wednesday.
Julie Cain, a forensic specialist for the county medical examiner, said by email that, generally, rigor in all major muscle groups occurs within 12-24 hours of a person’s death.
Cain wouldn’t speak on the specifics of the case, she said, and environmental factors may affect the process.
Hamilton County sheriff’s deputies arrested Darron Lee, 31, an ex-NFL player from Chattanooga, after he called 911 around 1:30 p.m. on Feb.5. At the Ooltewah home he was moving into, officers found Perpetuo, 29, dead on the living room floor.
The former linebacker told police his partner had narcolepsy and may have slipped in the shower, officials said. Body camera video captured him saying the broken glass in the house came from leaving a window open.