Ex-Kansas City Chiefs’ Tackle Mike Pennel Jr. Named As Person Of Interest In Death Of Woman In Dominican Republic

Mike Pennel Jr. (Image: NFL)

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr. has found himself at the center of an international investigation after authorities in the Dominican Republic identified him as a person of interest in the death of a woman who has been missing since 2021.

The investigation involves 22-year-old Carli Roche, who disappeared in September 2021 after moving to Sosúa, a coastal town in the Dominican Republic. Earlier this year, authorities discovered human remains on property Pennel reportedly owned at the time of her disappearance. Dominican officials have classified the case as a homicide and are examining possible connections between the property and the victim’s death.

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According to multiple reports, investigators have labeled Pennel a person of interest, meaning they believe he may have information relevant to the case. However, being named a person of interest does not mean someone has been charged with a crime. As of June 2026, Pennel has not been arrested or formally charged in connection with the investigation.

Pennel has strongly denied any involvement in the matter.

In statements to the media, Pennel said he did not know Roche and was not in the Dominican Republic when she disappeared in 2021. He described reports linking him to the case as false and argued his reputation has been unfairly damaged by the coverage. His attorney also stated that he is cooperating with the investigation and is willing to assist authorities as needed.

The case has generated significant attention given Pennel’s background. He recently played for the Chiefs during the 2025 season and entered the offseason as a free agent. The veteran defensive tackle has spent 11 years in the league and has been part of multiple Super Bowl-winning teams with the Chiefs.

For now, the case remains unsolved. While Pennel’s name has become part of the investigation, officials have not filed criminal charges, and he continues to deny any wrongdoing.