India, June 19 -- Mike Pennel found himself at the center of controversy in April after an ESPN report linked him to the death of a woman whose body was discovered on property he formerly owned in the Dominican Republic.

Pennel quickly dismissed the allegations as "fake news," while his attorney maintained that the NFL veteran had no connection to or knowledge of the woman.

However, recent developments have added a new layer to the case, raising fresh questions and potentially challenging the earlier narrative. ESPN's investigation suggests Pennel was acquainted with the woman.

Based on interviews with people close to Carli Franchesca Guzman Roche and police records reviewed by the network, the report states that Pennel regularly spent...