Disturbing new details have emerged in the case of former UFC competitor Phil Baroni, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend Paula in Mexico. According to autopsy reports obtained by investigators, evidence suggests that Baroni allegedly engaged in relations with Paula’s body after her death.
The surprising revelations come from autopsy results that show damage to Paula’s private areas, which investigators believe occurred post-mortem. The victim was found naked in bed with covers over her body, after Baroni claimed he had put her in a shower following a head injury, then placed her in bed.
Baroni’s path to Mexico began when he fled New York after allegedly assaulting a previous girlfriend, who pressed charges against him. He initially went to Mexico with that girlfriend, but after the assault incident, he remained in the country while she returned to New York.
During his time in Puerto Vallarta, Baroni allegedly started a GoFundMe campaign claiming he had been robbed and needed money to return home. However, after receiving several thousand dollars in donations, he decided to stay in Mexico.
The former competitor had been causing issues at local establishments, including problems at restaurants owned by acquaintances in the MMA community. Those who knew Baroni in Mexico had been warned about his increasingly erratic behavior toward women.
Perhaps most troubling is evidence that Baroni was allegedly aware of his deteriorating mental state. Text messages show that in August, he reached out to friends asking for money to visit a specialized hospital to have his head examined, indicating he suspected he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from years of combat sports.
Baroni’s combat career continued well beyond when UFC president Dana White suggested he retire at age 32 due to visible signs of cognitive decline. Instead, Baroni competed overseas for another 10-12 years, accumulating additional head trauma that may have contributed to his mental deterioration.
The case has raised serious questions about the support systems available to former competitors dealing with brain injuries and financial difficulties. CTE, a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma, has been linked to aggressive behavior and cognitive decline in numerous former professional athletes.
Paula’s incident highlights the urgent need for better mental health resources and intervention programs for retired contenders showing signs of brain trauma. While CTE may explain Baroni’s deteriorating condition, it cannot excuse the sad nature of his alleged crimes against Paula.
Baroni is currently being held at Venustiano Carranza State Jail in Tepic, Mexico, awaiting the start of his trial.
