Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has reportedly been named a person of interest in the death of a woman who had been missing since 2021. The woman, Carli Franchesca Guzman Roche, 22, was declared missing on September 13, 2021, and her body was found earlier this year on a property previously owned by Pennel in the Dominican Republic.
According to ESPN, the body of Guzman was discovered in January 2026, while a worker was digging a trench on the property in Sosua, a coastal town where Pennel had a house at the time of her disappearance. Guzman’s body was identified through DNA comparison to her 8-year-old son, and while the cause of death remains undisclosed, the police are treating it as a homicide.
Pennel Denies Involvement and Calls Report “Fake News”
Mike Pennel has denied any involvement in the case and firmly rejected the reports, calling them “fake news.” His attorney informed ESPN that Pennel had no personal connection to Guzman and was not in the Dominican Republic when she went missing. In a statement to ESPN, Pennel added, “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.”
In response to the growing speculation on social media, Pennel deleted his Instagram account after users began connecting him to Guzman’s death. Pennel’s legal team has emphasized his willingness to cooperate with Dominican authorities to help clarify the situation.
The Discovery and the Investigation
At the time of Guzman’s disappearance, Pennel was not signed to an NFL team after being released by the Chicago Bears in August 2021. He later signed with the Atlanta Falcons on September 15, just two days after Guzman was last seen. Pennel’s attorney, Alexander Valbuena, stated that Pennel had instructed his legal team to fully cooperate with the investigation and authorities in the Dominican Republic to clear up any misunderstandings.
Guzman’s family, particularly her grandmother, has expressed confusion over the situation. She told ESPN that she was never informed who owned the property where Guzman’s remains were found and had no idea why Guzman might have been there.
Pennel’s NFL Career and Legal Troubles
Mike Pennel, 34, has had a successful NFL career, winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs after playing for the team during three separate stints between 2019 and 2025. Throughout his career, he has also played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and most recently, the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite his success on the field, Pennel’s career has been marred by off-field issues, including three suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
In addition, Pennel was sued by the widow of former NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins in 2024. Haskins’ widow accused Pennel of defrauding her out of $275,000 related to a dog breeding business in the Dominican Republic, further complicating his public image.
What’s Next for Pennel?
As the investigation into Guzman’s death continues, questions loom over Pennel’s connection to the tragedy. The Dominican authorities have yet to announce any formal charges, but with Pennel now named a person of interest, the situation remains fluid.
For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind Guzman’s death, with many waiting to see how the investigation develops. Pennel, who had a notable career in the NFL, now faces a new and potentially more serious challenge as authorities work to piece together the events surrounding the missing woman’s tragic fate.
