Pro Football Rumors
The body of a young woman was discovered earlier this year on the property of a home in the Dominican Republic once owned by veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel, as detailed by ESPN’s T.J. Quinn and Juan Recio.
Carli Franchesca Guzmán Roche went missing in September 2021, and her body was found in January 2026 when excavation work was being done by the property’s new owner. At the time of Guzmán’s disappearance, the property belonged to Pennel. The report states that multiple people interviewed by the police indicated Pennel and Guzmán knew each other and “had connections” which were “worth investigating.” Pennel has denied having any connection to her death.
“This isn’t a story,” Pennel said via text to ESPN after Guzmán’s body was found. “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.”
Further denial of involvement in this case was made by Pennel after the ESPN piece was published. Nevertheless, Dominican attorney Ariel Durán said he expects charges to be filed against Pennel since he owned the property in question at the time of Guzmán’s disappearance. Duran did not specify which charges Pennel could face, adding the 12-year veteran will be exonerated with respect to Guzmán’s death.
Dominican authorities reopened the case last March and are currently treating it as a homicide. Pennel received a certificate from local authorities last month confirming he is not presently the subject of any criminal charges, something he has shared with the NFL. The 35-year-old was never interviewed by police at the time of Guzmán’s disappearance, although he is currently considered a “person of interest” in the case.
Pennel told ESPN that Tyree Lamont Davis – one of two friends and associates of his mentioned in the report – knew Guzmán, but not him. That claim has been disputed by Guzmán’s grandmother, who stated Guzmán and Pennel frequently spent time with each other when the latter went to the Dominican Republic. Guzmán’s grandmother said she has seen Pennel in person, and identified a picture of him when speaking with the ESPN reporters; she added multiple people believe Guzmán was with Pennel in the days leading up to her disappearance. Pennel denies having ever met any members of Guzmán’s family.
Pennel entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent but has managed to serve as an effective presence along the defensive line for over a decade. He is best known for his various stints in Kansas City and has won two Super Bowls as a member of the Chiefs. Pennel was released by the Bengals early in 2025 in a move which set up his return to the Chiefs. His contract expired in March, and no known suitors have emerged since he hit the open market.
