Michael Pennel Jr., a former NFL player known for his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently a person of interest in the investigation surrounding the death of Carli Franchesca Guzman Roche. Her body was discovered in a trench on property that Pennel owned in Sosua, a coastal town in the province of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Guzman was reported missing on September 13, 2021, shortly after she was last seen. Her remains were found in January 2026, and DNA testing confirmed her identity. Although an official cause of death has not been released, authorities are treating the case as a homicide.

Pennel has publicly denied any involvement in Guzman's death, labeling the reports as false and damaging to his reputation. His lawyer stated that Pennel is willing to cooperate fully with the investigation. Dominican authorities have reopened the case and are interviewing various individuals, including foreigners, as part of their inquiry. Despite being labeled a person of interest, Pennel has not been arrested or charged with any crime. He has a history of legal challenges, including past suspensions from the NFL and a lawsuit related to a dog breeding business in the Dominican Republic.