After a lengthy trial, including 135 witnesses, 439 exhibits, and more than a week of deliberations, the jury in the trial of former New England Patriots and Florida Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez has found him guilty of first degree murder in the death of his friend Odin Lloyd on June 17, 2013.
Aaron Hernandez Found Guilty of First Degree Murder
Lloyd, a semi-pro football player, was reportedly a close friend of Hernandez, and was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee. He was found in an industrial park near Hernandez’s home. He had been shot six times.
Hernandez was under contract to the Patriots at the time, on a deal worth $40 million. Following his arrest, the Patriots cut the tight end, and have refused to pay bonuses that were scheduled under the contract.
The prosecution in the case alleged that Hernandez planned the murder, and worked with friends to carry it out. Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace will be separately tried for their role in the killing. The defense admitted that Aaron Hernandez was present at the time of the murder, but attempted to deny his involvement. They painted the picture of a man who tried to cover up the killing as he didn’t know what else to do after his friend’s death.
The jury also found that the killing occurred with “extreme atrocity or cruelty,” which means Hernandez will spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of parole.
This is only the first step of several legal battles to come for Hernandez, who will no doubt pursue his appeal options. There is also a second Hernandez murder trial dealing with allegations that he killed Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado in a drive by shooting in July 2012, as well as other allegations pending against former NFL star.
